Amanda Nunes considered retiring from the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) just over 18 months ago. The 35-year-old Brazilian double champion, widely regarded as the greatest female MMA athlete of all time, had lost an unexpected bantamweight title fight to Julianna Pena—an upset that sent shockwaves through the UFC. Nunes, who also held the featherweight title, had accomplished the remarkable feat of becoming the promotion’s only female champion to hold two titles at the same time, defeating numerous former champions along the way, including Cris Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, and Valentina Shevchenko.
However, as Nunes considered her future in the sport, she realized there was one crucial element missing from her illustrious resume: a chance to avenge her title loss. “Sometimes you find yourself in a sad spot, as I did when I lost my belt,” Nunes said of the experience. “But the motivation came back.” Although she didn’t want to give up her title, the loss triggered a different kind of sadness, one that rekindled her hunger and determination from the beginning of her career. It acted as a catalyst for Nunes, propelling her back into the world of motivation, training, and striving for excellence.
Nunes made significant changes, leaving the American Top Team and opening her own gym in Florida. These changes proved crucial as she reclaimed her title in convincing fashion just six months later, becoming the UFC’s first two-time double champion. Now, on Saturday, she will defend her bantamweight title against Mexico’s Irene Aldana at UFC 289, which will take place at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. Nunes intends to extend her dominant reign in the octagon, fueled by her renewed motivation.
Interestingly, Nunes credits her defeat to Pena with propelling her to break more records and extend her career, ultimately paving the way for her upcoming clash with Aldana. “When I lost the belt, it made me better,” Nunes said of the experience. I made many changes in my life as a human being and as a fighter.” She believes that her loss not only aided her personal development but also had an impact on her fans. “The fans were like, ‘Oh my god, now she’s going to reclaim the belt and become champion again.'” So I think it was a good thing because a lot of champions lose their belts and never regain them—they fall apart.”
As Nunes approaches the end of her 15-year, 27-fight career, which included two of the most dominant title reigns in UFC history, the question of retirement looms. Pundits and fellow fighters, including light-heavyweight Anthony Smith, have speculated on when Nunes might choose to retire. Nunes, on the other hand, believes that the decision will be driven by instinct. “I think that’s an open thing—I have to decide when I feel it,” she says. Nunes, who refuses to make premature predictions about her final fight, emphasizes the importance of sensing the right moment within the cage. Only then will she truly understand when it is her time.
Nunes is adamant that her achievements in the octagon have already cemented her legacy as “the best champion ever who never gave up.” “I broke a lot of records,” she remarks. I misplaced the belt and then found it again. I was a busy champion.” Indeed, Nunes has kept up a rigorous schedule, competing in various weight classes, defending her titles, and leaving fans anticipating her every performance. She predicts that when she decides to retire, fans will undoubtedly miss her presence, which gives her a sense of fulfilment. “To make so much history that people will say, ‘Man, I wish she could keep going,” Nunes says, “that’s a good feeling.”
Nunes was originally scheduled to face Pena in a trilogy fight, but Pena withdrew due to injury. Irene Aldana, a 35-year-old fighter from Mexico, will take on Nunes. Aldana last competed in September, when she stunned Macy Chiasson with a rare up-kick finish. With 14 victories in 20 fights, Aldana has established herself as a formidable opponent in her 11-year career, winning four of her last five.
Nunes is looking forward to the new challenge that Aldana will bring to the table. Nunes acknowledges Aldana’s abilities, saying, “She knows how to use her reach, has good boxing, and can knock me out as well, so I have to be aware, fast, composed, and powerful to make her pay.” Nunes emphasizes the importance of employing a multifaceted strategy, including her wrestling and ground game, to ensure victory. She expresses her enthusiasm for the upcoming fight, anticipating the surprises and strategies Aldana will bring to the fight.
Amanda Nunes enters the octagon at UFC 289 with a legacy already etched in stone. She has become an icon in the world of women’s MMA, inspiring fans with her dominance, resilience, and unwavering determination. While retirement is on the horizon, Nunes’ impact on the sport will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come. Fans all over the world are watching her as she continues to make history, cherishing each moment and dreading the day when they will have to say goodbye to one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Main Image: Bleacher Report
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