Amanda Nunes

With UFC decision looming, Kayla Harrison issues a warning to Julianna Pena

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MMA, PFL

Last weekend at UFC 269, we saw one of the biggest upsets in MMA history. Julianna Pena (11-4) shocked the world when she dethroned Amanda Nunes (21-5) and became the bantamweight champion of the world.

However, it wasn’t just the fact that Pena beat Nunes, it was the way she beat her. Pena stood toe-to-toe with Nunes in the pocket and backed the champion down. Nunes was forced to clinch and Pena threw her to the ground.

Once there, Pena was able to get her back and submit her. The result sent shock waves throughout the UFC audience. One member of the audience who was especially upset was the hottest free agent on the MMA scene, Kayla Harrison (12-0).

The two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and PFL champion was there to watch her teammate Amanda Nunes. However, Harrison is also being courted by the UFC and was given the free agent camera treatment.

The promotion has expressed interest in booking Harrison against Nunes at 145 pounds. Dana White said after UFC 269 that a bout between Nunes and Harrison would be one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA history.

However, that’s been put on ice for the moment due to Nunes’ shocking loss. Pena was asked about Harrison this week and she labeled the PFL champion the lesser of the two referring to her and Nunes.

Harrison didn’t take kindly to those comments and she made that clear on Ariel Helwani’s MMA hour. She made it clear that if she signs with the UFC, Pena needs to watch where she steps.

Will Harrison sign with the UFC?

Harrison made it clear that Pena needs to watch what she says because she’s not one to just talk about things. She also said that she could beat Julianna Pena with one arm taken away.

Should Harrison sign with the UFC, she would be fighting at 145 pounds. Pena has never expressed interest in moving up, in fact, she’s talked about even trying to make 125 pounds to fight Valentina Shevchenko.

However, her talk of Harrison this week makes me wonder if she’d ever think of competing up in weight. If she did, Kayla Harrison would be glad to take that fight. Currently, Harrison is trying to decide where she wants to sign.

The UFC, Bellator, and PFL are all making plays to sign Harrison. She told Helwani yesterday that PFL is making the biggest financial offer which should come as no surprise. PFL has made her a start and they can’t afford to lose her.

However, she also knows that the UFC and Bellator contain a higher level of competition. She said she’s currently weighing her options factoring in compensation as well as her legacy.

When this free agency began, I thought she might end up in Bellator or resigning with PFL. However, I’m really starting to think she’s leaning towards the UFC and ultimately, I think she ends up in the octagon.

With that being said, Julianna Pena might have to see Harrison at some point.

After shocking loss at UFC 269, what’s next for Amanda Nunes?

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This past weekend at UFC 269, Amanda Nunes (21-5) returned to the bantamweight division. She was defending her title against Julianna Pena (12-4) who most people weren’t giving a chance.

Admittedly, I was not giving Pena a chance on Saturday night. Nunes is considered to be the greatest female fighter of all time and for good reason. Once she hit her stride, she’s defeated all the greats at both 135 and 145 pounds.

Not only that, but nobody has been competitive with her. For that reason, UFC 269 was expected to be another cakewalk for the champion. However, it turned out to be anything but.

Nunes opened the fight strong and sat Pena down with a big jab and a leg kick. Immediately, I started thinking that it was just a matter of time before Nunes stopped Pena and retained her UFC title.

However, the second round proved to be a round that would be remembered forever. Pena stood toe to toe with Nunes on the feet and actually got the better of the champion. Pena’s jab was sharp and she was hurting Nunes.

Nunes looked incredibly discouraged and exhausted after these exchanges. She desperately clinched with Pena which resulted in Pena taking her down. Once there, Pena immediately took the back of Nunes.

Pena locked up a choke and Nunes tapped almost immediately. Julianna Pena shocked the world and became the UFC bantamweight champion.

What’s next after UFC 269?

I’m still stunned by the result days later while typing this out. I can’t believe that Amanda Nunes is no longer the UFC’s bantamweight champion and I’m sure she can’t believe it either.

When the shock is gone, the question then becomes what’s next? Well, the UFC had the plans mapped out for a Nunes win, but I don’t think they envisioned a Nunes loss.

Amanda Nunes has already made it clear what she wants next. The former UFC bantamweight champion has come out and said that she wants the rematch with Pena and that is what the promotion will move to make.

Had Nunes won, the plan was for the UFC to make the superfight with Kayla Harrison (12-0) at 145. However, the Nunes loss through a wrench into everything. While some might think this throws a wrench in the plans to sign Harrison, I think the UFC will push forward with those plans.

Now, the UFC can establish Harrison while Nunes prepares to rematch with Pena. Should Nunes run through Pena in a rematch, you can still build the superfight and chalk Nunes’ loss as being unprepared and overlooking Pena.

I expect the UFC to make the rematch pretty quickly perhaps around March or April. Don’t expect a big break before we see the rematch between the new champion and Nunes.

Julianna Pena submits Amanda Nunes at UFC 269

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In the co-main event of UFC 269, the greatest female fighter of all time made her bantamweight return. Amanda Nunes (21-4) will defended her bantamweight crown for the first time in two years as she took on Julianna Pena (10-4).

For years now, Amanda Nunes has dominated everyone she’s faced in the UFC. From featherweight to bantamweight, she’s simply been the best. Nobody has seemingly wanted to fight her.

That is, everyone outside of Julianna Pena. To Pena’s credit, she’s been calling for a fight with Nunes ever since UFC 200. Pena has always said that she had the style to defeat The Lioness.

Tonight, on the heels of a win over Sara McMann, Pena got that shot. However, she might’ve been the only person who thought she was going to win at UFC 269

UFC 269 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 269 bantamweight title fight kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Nunes immediately takes the center and she’s light on her toes. Pena feinting but not coming forward. Big leg kick from Nunes sits Pena down briefly.

Pena eats another leg kick as soon as she gets up. Nunes steps in and Pena fires a combination. Pena gets set down by a jab fro Nunes. The power discrepancy is huge here. Nunes throws some ground and pound, but Pena gets up and goes for a takedown.

Hip toss from Nunes and Nunes ends up on top. The champion settles into top position and she takes the back of Julianna Pena quickly. Pena is trying to defend and is able to get back to half guard. Nunes remaining patient just controlling the challenger.

Big smile from Nunes as she’s in full control here. Pena continues to try and defend and she starts attacking a kimura. However, there’s not a ton of time left here in the opening round. The round comes to a close and it’s 1-0 Nunes at UFC 269.

Round 2

Entering the second at UFC 269 and Nunes is smiling from ear to ear. Body kick from Nunes starts the striking. Both women exchange jabs. Big jab from Nunes. However, Pena rocks Nunes and the crowd is going crazy.

Nunes lands a big shot and Pena backs up. Nunes is getting reckless here in teh second round and Pena lands some big counters. Oh my goodness Pena hurts Nunes again. These two are just swinging.

Pena hurts Nunes badly and Nunes looks exhausted. Pena gets the back of Nunes and locks up a choke. Nunes is exhausted and taps. Julianna Pena pulls off the biggest upset arguably in UFC history.

Julianna Pena def. Amanda Nunes by Submission – Round 2

UFC 269 Preview: Amanda Nunes – Julianna Pena

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In the co-main event of UFC 269, the greatest female fighter of all time makes her bantamweight return. Amanda Nunes (21-4) will defend her bantamweight crown for the first time in two years when she takes on Julianna Pena (10-4).

What can’t you say about Amanda Nunes? She’s the greatest female fighter of all time and she has an unreal resume. She’s defeated Valentina Shevchenko (twice), Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm, Miesha Tate, Ronda Rousey, and more.

Her last two UFC fights were defenses of her featherweight title. The fights were so one-sided that you felt like they just weren’t even fair. We haven’t seen Nunes at 135 since her successful title defense over Germaine de Randamie.

Welcoming Nunes back to 135 is Julianna Pena. Julianna Pena might be the only person in the world who believes that she will win at UFC 269. However, that’s the kind of confidence you need when you fight Amanda Nunes.

Most of the time, Nunes has you beat before you even step into the cage. The perfect example is Megan Anderson. However, Julianna Pena is not going to be intimidated. She fights with a lot of pressure and believes she will win at UFC 269.

In her last fight against Sara McMann, we saw Pena come back from adversity. It was a close fight, but she dug down deep to get a finish. That ability to dig deep is going to be key against Amanda Nunes.

UFC 269 Prediction

As mentioned, Julianna Pena is not going to be intimidated at UFC 269. I don’t expect her to be afraid of Amanda Nunes, but that lack of fear might make this a very quick night at the office for the champion.

Julianna Pena has no chance of winning this fight at range. If she attempts to fight from kickboxing range, this fight is going to be over within two minutes. Pena has to come right out and pressure Nunes quickly to try and get the fight to the mat.

Pena’s only chance is to either tire Nunes or take her down. I don’t see either happening. In reality, this fight at UFC 269 is not getting out of the first round and if it does, I’ll be stunned.

I think that Amanda Nunes wants to send a message and remind everyone why she’s the goat. Silencing Julianna Pena would just be the icing on the cake for the champ.

Prediction: Amanda Nunes by TKO – Round 1

UFC: Miesha Tate believes she can take out Amanda Nunes

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This weekend at UFC Vegas 43, Miesha Tate (19-7) will be making her second appearance since she came out of retirement. Tate returned back in July where she scored a third round TKO victory over Marion Reneau.

Tate looked really good in her return, however, it’s important to remember the competition level. At UFC Vegas 43, she’s going to get that step up in competition when she takes on Ketlen Vieira (11-2) in the main event.

If Tate can win big at UFC Vegas 43, it’s going to put her in a great position given her status in the sport. Amanda Nunes (21-4) has ran through everyone outside of Valentina Shevchenko since 2014. Nunes has gone on a run that has earned her the title of the greatest female fighter of all time.

One of the names on her hit list is Miesha Tate. The two squared off the main event of UFC 200 when Tate was the bantamweight champion. Nunes completely dominated Tate on her way to becoming bantamweight champion.

Tate wants her UFC title back

Miesha Tate seems more motivated than ever at the moment and her confidence is through the roof. She believes that she’s a better fighter physically and mentally than she was when she first fought Nunes back at UFC 200.

Tate is looking to make a statement Saturday night that puts the division and Amanda Nunes on notice. Make no mistake about it, Tate wants another shot at the champion and if she gets it, Tate believes that she can take her out.

Tate told ESPN this week, Sometimes you only get one shot and when I take that shot at Amanda, it will be the perfect timing, I’ll have the perfect aim. I will be the sniper to taker her out, but I’m not going to jump the gun.”

Worth noting that if Tate wins at UFC Vegas 43, I think she’s only going to be a win away from earning a title shot. Given the status of the rest of the division, it would be an appealing fight for fans to see.

Free agency looms for Kayla Harrison ahead of PFL Finals

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MMA, PFL

Tomorrow night in the main event of PFL‘s tenth event of the 2021 season, we will see the finals for the women’s lightweight division. The massive favorite, Kayla Harrison (11-0), will look to remain perfect and pick up her third straight PFL championship.

Standing in her way is Taylor Guardado (3-1) who will be looking to pick up the massive upset. Guardado lost her professional debut last year, but a perfect PFL season at 3-0 has earned her a spot in the finals against the Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time PFL champion.

While Guardado is a good opponent, there’s more focus on what comes after the fight for Kayla Harrison. No disrespect to Guardado, but I can’t see any scenario where Harrison walks out of the cage tomorrow night without capturing her third PFL championship.

That is the general consensus in the MMA community which is why the focus of this week is about what comes next. Once the PFL finals are over tomorrow night, Kayla Harrison is officially a free agent and she’s the best female free agent MMA has ever seen.

Will Harrison stay with PFL?

Harrison has competed at 155 pounds for the entirety of her career with PFL. However, last year, she cut down to 145 pounds to show the world that she’s very capable of making the featherweight limit which opens the doors for a couple of superfights.

PFL is obviously wanting to retain her and they’re trying to make the promotion even more attractive from a competition standpoint. They recently signed Julia Budd (15-3) and Budd will be making her debut tomorrow night for the promotion. Budd was a longstanding champion in Bellator.

Speaking of Bellator, they will be calling Harrison with the dream of Harrison fighting one of the greatest of all time in Cris Cyborg (24-2). Harrison has always wanted to fight Cyborg and was frustrated when PFL didn’t sign her following her release from the UFC.

And speaking of the UFC, that is where the biggest fight of all is. The fight I’m referring to would pair Harrison against her teammate and the greatest female fighter of all time, Amanda Nunes (21-4). Nunes is the two-division UFC champion who is widely considered to be the best ever.

Harrison wants the world to view her as the greatest of all time. She told the media this week that she’s going to be following some comments from UFC president Dana White who advised her to stay with PFL and continue beating up on less competition.

Harrison took the comments in stride as she knows the game. The PFL champion knows the game and she knows how to play it. Where she ends up signing will be one of the biggest MMA storylines between tomorrow night and the end of 2021.

What’s next for Valentina Shevchenko after UFC 266?

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This past Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 266, Valentina Shevchenko (22-3) defended her flyweight title against Lauren Murphy (15-5). Murphy was not intimidated and really believed she could give the champion troubles on Saturday night.

However, Shevchenko maintained that this defense would be like all of the rest. She said that she would win no matter what at UFC 266 and walk out of the arena with the flyweight title.

Well, she was right again. UFC 266 was another one-sided fight from Valentina Shevchenko. Shevchenko never allowed Murphy to get off any offense throughout the evening. I think you could count on both hands how many strikes Murphy landed in the fight.

Shevchenko’s speed and strength was just too much for the challenger. In the fourth round, Shevchenko really started to pour it on and hurt Murphy badly. The champion unleashed vicious combinations that ultimately wilted the challenger. Shevchenko got her hand raised and retained her title by fourth round TKO.

What’s next after UFC 266?

There is nobody in the UFC’s flyweight division that can compete with Valentina Shevchenko. It’s very clear that nobody even has a prayer against her out of the options for her.

Amanda Nunes (21-4), rightfully so, is considered to be the greatest of all time. However, she’s been pushed in fights. We’ve seen Germaine De Randamie have success against Nunes.

But the biggest challenge Nunes has ever faced is Shevchenko. These two have fought twice before the UFC started the flyweight division. Shevchenko is smaller, but that didn’t really matter in their fight.

The first fight, it was clear that Nunes won. However, the second fight generated a lot of controversy. Nunes edged Shevchenko by split decision at UFC 215, but the world has been split on that fight. 20 media members scored the fight and they were perfectly split 10-10.

Personally, I scored the fight for Shevchenko. While it’s not popular to say, I think Shevchenko is the best overall female fighter in the UFC and I believe it’s time to set up the third fight between these two.

Now, Nunes has to win her fight in December against Julianna Pena. However, let’s be real, she’s not losing to Julianna Pena. After she wins, it’s time to book the trilogy. This is the fight every one wants and it’s the fight that should happen to truly determine who’s the best in the world.

UFC rebooks Amanda Nunes – Julianna Pena

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The UFC has rebooked a massive title fight in the women’s bantamweight division. The promotion announced today that Amanda Nunes (21-4) will return to defend her bantamweight crown against Julianna Pena (10-4) in December.

The fight will take place at UFC 269 on December 11th. Originally, these two were supposed to fight earlier this month in the UFC 265 co-main event. However, after Nunes tested positive for Covid, the fight was called off. 

Pena was vocal about wanting an interim UFC title shot if Nunes wasn’t going to be able to fight anytime soon. However, the promotion was able to get this fight back on the books relatively quickly.

Back at UFC 257, Pena defeated Sara McMann by third round fear-naked choke. After the fight was over, she started calling for this fight with Amanda Nunes.

Pena stated that the UFC‘s two-division champion had been ducking her for years. The callouts were odd to me considering where Pena was in the division. The Venezuelan Vixen is just 2-2 in her last four and was put to sleep against Germaine de Randamie last October.

Nevertheless, the trash talk seemed to work and the UFC decided to give Pena the fight. If the current rankings hold, Julianna Pena will enter the cage in August as the fifth ranked bantamweight.

UFC 269 Grudge Match

Amanda Nunes is the greatest of all time and let’s be clear, Julianna Pena really doesn’t deserve this shot at UFC 269. Her resume doesn’t exactly make her the number one contender. Especially considering the top contender just put her to sleep in 2020.

However, Pena called out the champion and that’s what she’s getting. Nunes has defeated the best the UFC has to offer at both 135 and 145 pounds. Pena is one of the few bantamweights that Nunes hasn’t had the privilege of fighting yet.

Perhaps that had a lot to do with this booking as well. Either way, it should be a fun build back up to UFC 269. The last time we saw Nunes was when she demolished Megan Anderson at UFC 259.

The win was Nunes’ second straight defense of her featherweight title. Now, Nunes will return to the division that made her a champion for the first time.

BREAKING: Amanda Nunes tests positive for COVID-19; Out of UFC 265

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UFC 265 has taken a hit today by losing the co-main event of the evening. ESPN reported today that the promotion’s two-division champion and the greatest female fighter of all time, Amanda Nunes (21-4), has tested positive for COVID-19.

Nunes was set to make her return to the bantamweight division to defend her UFC title against Julianna Pena (10-4). These two have some serious bad blood and many were looking forward to the fight.

However, the fight is going to be delayed. The UFC‘s chief business officer Hunter Campbell told ESPN that the plan is for the promotion to rebook the fight once Nunes is healthy and ready to go.

At this time there is no word on how Nunes is said to be doing after testing positive. However, given the language from Campbell, my guess is that she’s experiencing symptoms from COVID.

For now, it would appear that the new co-main event of UFC 265 will be the bantamweight contest between Jose Aldo and Pedro Munhoz.

Plans for the UFC title fight

As Campbell said, the UFC is fully planning on rebooking this fight when Nunes is ready to go. However, we really don’t have any idea of when that will be. We’ve seen some fighters be ready just two weeks after a positive test.

However, we’ve also seen some fighters experience symptoms that kept them out for extended periods of time. Khamzat Chimaev and Alexander Volkanovski are two that stick out.

Volkanovski was set to defend his UFC title against Brian Ortega in March, but after a positive COVID test, that fight was scrapped. Those two will now fight in September. In reality, September might be the target date for the Nunes – Pena title fight.

Another possibility could be November. At the beginning of November, the UFC is returning to New York for UFC 268 which is headlined by Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. Don’t be surprised if you see this bantamweight title end up at MSG.

Houston the front-runner to host UFC 265 per Dana White

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It looks like the UFC will be heading back to Texas in August. At least, that’s how it’s looking right now. This week, Dana White sat down with Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole and they talked about all the happenings with the promotion.

Of course, one of the topics that came up was the UFC heavyweight division. Currently, the promotion is trying to finalize the first title defense for the new heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou (16-3).

Ngannou knocked out Stipe Miocic (20-4) at UFC 260 to capture the heavyweight title. Prior to that night, it was understood that the winner would fight Jon Jones (26-1, 1 NC) is a super-fight over the summer.

However, financial negotiations never got off to a hot start between Jones and the UFC. Now, it doesn’t appear that Jones is going to be fighting anytime soon. With that, the promotion moved to the top contender, Derrick Lewis (25-7, 1 NC).

Lewis is one of the more popular fighters in the UFC and he holds a decision win over the current champion. He’s won four fights in a row and he definitely deserves the next crack at the heavyweight title. Because Lewis is next, the promotion is honing in on Houston, Texas hosting UFC 265.

UFC 265 – Home Field Advantage

Now, the UFC hasn’t finalized the rematch between Ngannou and Lewis. However, the word is that the fight is getting pretty close to the goal line. The promotion is planning on the heavyweight title fight headlining UFC 265.

Currently, Amanda Nunes (21-4) – Julianna Pena (10-4) is the lone title fight on the August PPV. However, it appears that the promotion is going to have the heavyweight title on the line in the main event.

Derrick Lewis is a native of Houston and he got a massive pop when shown on screen at UFC 262 earlier this month. It looks like Lewis is going to get a little home field advantage for his second crack at UFC gold.

Of course, this situation is still fluid at the moment. For one, the promotion hasn’t finalized the fight and two, UFC 265 hasn’t been announced for Houston. However, the promotion is looking to lock up the location soon and my guess is the fight will be finalized just before.