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Amanda Nunes Sends UFC Huge Ultimatum Before Kayla Harrison Mega Fight

Amanda Nunes' UFC comeback is for only one purpose.
Jun 7, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Kayla Harrison (blue gloves) talks to Amanda Nunes after defeating Julianna Pena (not pictured) in a bantamweight title bout during UFC 316 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jun 7, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Kayla Harrison (blue gloves) talks to Amanda Nunes after defeating Julianna Pena (not pictured) in a bantamweight title bout during UFC 316 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Former UFC two-division champion Amanda Nunes continues to wait for UFC Bantamweight Champion Kayla Harrison to fully heal from her neck injury.

While her long-awaited return to the Octagon looms, Nunes had some recent choice words for the UFC's fanbase and the promotion itself, should it attempt to institute an interim title if Harrison is inactive for an extended period.

Simply put, Nunes said she's having none of it.

Amanda Nunes Adamant Kayla Harrison Fight Has To Happen

Amanda Nunes retired following UFC 289
Jun 10, 2023; Vancouver, BC, Canada; Amanda Nunes celebrates her victory by decision against Irene Aldana following UFC 289 at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images | Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

"I only fight for the [undisputed] belt, and I cannot make what they want, you know?" Nunes said in an interview with MMAJunkie. "I feel like I'm going to have an opportunity for all of them, so they just have to wait like I did. I waited so much to fight for the belt. One day, I did it, so then I have an opportunity for everybody, and I think they should wait. I'm gonna fight Kayla and take my belt back."

Although Nunes doesn't mind waiting for Harrison, as their initial encounter was previously pulled from UFC 324 following Harrison's withdrawl, the clock is ticking regarding the fight's hype.

"I feel like International Fight Week would be a good one," Nunes said. "I feel like UFC wanted that, too. So I hope Kayla is ready for it. And I can't wait. Just, you know, honestly, like, I can't wait for the call. Yeah, I hope she's ready, though, because I am. And let's see what is going to happen. So I'm ready for her. Everything depends on Kayla Harrison."

Harrison-Nunes Potentially Rebooked For UFC 329?

UFC's T-Mobile Arena will host UFC 329.
December 29, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; General view as spectators gather outside before weigh ins for UFC 207 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The UFC's International Fight Week event is set for Saturday, July 11, which culminates with UFC 329. Despite the promotion having yet to announce its concrete plans, former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor is a potential headliner. Should he return against Max Holloway, or another opponent entirely, it's likely the Harrison-Nunes fight would serve as a co-main event, given McGregor's star power.

Nunes and Harrison, more specifically Nunes, is used to the Las Vegas spotlight. Nunes won the title from then-UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate in the UFC 200 main event at T-Mobile Arena in July 2016. Five months later, Nunes dispatched Ronda Rousey at UFC 207, which took place at the same venue in her initial defense of her title.

Nunes initially retired following a storied career that came to a close in June 2023 at UFC 289 against Irene Aldana, laying the gloves down following the win in Canada.

For Harrison, though, her defining moment is potentially right around the corner if the Nunes fight materializes.

We'll see if it does.

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Published
Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer & columnist for Gameday Media's MMA Knockout, expanding his portfolio as a Staff Writer for Dallas Wings On SI with previous in-network contributions around the echosystem. Outside of covering fights, Bando's background includes Big Ten football and men's basketball with leans toward Illinois and Northwestern with a broader league view for bylines including The Sporting News, FanSided, Men's Journal and others since 2019. Bando can be reached at zainbando99@gmail.com or via his social media accounts @zainbando99.

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