Latest news with #VenezuelanVixen
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC return confirmed: Amanda Nunes isn't coming back just for a good time, but a long time
NEWARK, N.J. – Amanda Nunes is returning to the UFC for a good time but also perhaps a long time. During a fan Q&A on Wednesday at Prudential Center ahead of Saturday's UFC 316 ceremonial weigh-ins, Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC) confirmed her comeback to the cage and added that it won't be just a one-off. Advertisement "I'm ready to stay here," Nunes said. "I'm going to take the belt back. I'm going to defend as long as possible. As long as my body can handle, I'm going to be here." In recent months, Nunes has teased a comeback. She was spotted in the crowd at a press conference in March and nodded her head when it was suggested she might return. She's also posted several times cryptically on social media. Nunes' official comeback confirmation comes on the eve of a crucial fight for the women's bantamweight division as her two-time rival Julianna Peña looks to defend the title vs. Kayla Harrison, a fighter Nunes has trained with in the past. Nunes will likely face the winner, and she doesn't particularly seem to care who that is. "I love this. I'm so excited. To see my name all over, that's what I'm here for," Nunes said. "To come back, I'm ready for tomorrow. I'm ready to fight. ... I have Kayla by decision. Honestly, I'm a champion. Either one, I'm going to be ready for. Let's go." While Nunes passed on picking which fight she'd like more, she stayed respectful when she spoke of Harrison (18-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC). When asked about Peña (11-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) and her trash talk, Nunes wasn't as kind to "The Venezuelan Vixen." Advertisement "I just think Julianna has to shut up and fight and stop crying all the time about things," Nunes said. "Just face the girl, and that's it. Like, the girl is there. Tomorrow, Kayla is going to show up. I want to see if she shows up, as well. Kayla is going to bring it for her, though. She thinks it's going to be easy? She's delusional if she thinks it's going to be easy. Nunes, 37, retired from mixed martial arts competition in June 2023 following a successful title defense vs. Irena Aldana. The win came on the heels of a 1-1 series vs. Peña, who shockingly pulled off an upset before Nunes got her revenge. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Amanda Nunes: Bring on Kayla Harrison or Julianna Peña for UFC return

USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC return confirmed: Amanda Nunes isn't coming back just for a good time, but a long time
UFC return confirmed: Amanda Nunes isn't coming back just for a good time, but a long time NEWARK, N.J. – Amanda Nunes is returning to the UFC for a good time but also perhaps a long time. During a fan Q&A on Wednesday at Prudential Center ahead of Saturday's UFC 316 ceremonial weigh-ins, Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC) confirmed her comeback to the cage and added that it won't be just a one-off. "I'm ready to stay here," Nunes said. "I'm going to take the belt back. I'm going to defend as long as possible. As long as my body can handle, I'm going to be here." In recent months, Nunes has teased a comeback. She was spotted in the crowd at a press conference in March and nodded her head when it was suggested she might return. She's also posted several times cryptically on social media. Nunes' official comeback confirmation comes on the eve of a crucial fight for the women's bantamweight division as her two-time rival Julianna Peña looks to defend the title vs. Kayla Harrison, a fighter Nunes has trained with in the past. Nunes will likely face the winner, and she doesn't particularly seem to care who that is. "I love this. I'm so excited. To see my name all over, that's what I'm here for," Nunes said. "To come back, I'm ready for tomorrow. I'm ready to fight. ... I have Kayla by decision. Honestly, I'm a champion. Either one, I'm going to be ready for. Let's go." While Nunes passed on picking which fight she'd like more, she stayed respectful when she spoke of Harrison (18-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC). When asked about Peña (11-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) and her trash talk, Nunes wasn't as kind to "The Venezuelan Vixen." "I just think Julianna has to shut up and fight and stop crying all the time about things," Nunes said. "Just face the girl, and that's it. Like, the girl is there. Tomorrow, Kayla is going to show up. I want to see if she shows up, as well. Kayla is going to bring it for her, though. She thinks it's going to be easy? She's delusional if she thinks it's going to be easy. Nunes, 37, retired from mixed martial arts competition in June 2023 following a successful title defense vs. Irena Aldana. The win came on the heels of a 1-1 series vs. Peña, who shockingly pulled off an upset before Nunes got her revenge.


USA Today
08-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC 316 co-main event
Women's bantamweight champion Julianna Pena faces a stern test at UFC 316. Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison preview Peña (11-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) claimed the bantamweight title for a second time when she defeated Raquel Pennington by split decision at UFC 307 this past October. 'The Venezuelan Vixen' is owner of one of the biggest upset wins in octagon history when she submitted former dual champion Amanda Nunes in their title fight at UFC 269. Two-time PFL champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka Kayla Harrison (18-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) earned her shot at a UFC title after a submission of former champion Holly Holm and a decision win over Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307. Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison odds According to FanDuel, Harrison is a huge -590 favorite to dethrone bantamweight champion Peña, who's a +370 underdog. How to watch Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison at UFC 316 When: Saturday, June 7, 2025 Saturday, June 7, 2025 Where: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J. Prudential Center, Newark, N.J. Broadcast/streaming: ESPN+ pay-per-view