The women’s bantamweight title is on the line in the UFC 316 co-main event as champion Julianna Pena takes on No. 2 ranked contender Kayla Harrison. While it’s a highly anticipated women’s matchup, an even bigger one is waiting in the wings for the winner.
Former two-time women’s bantamweight titleholder Amanda Nunes has stated her intentions to return after retiring in 2023 and she has her eyes set on Saturday’s UFC 316 co-main event winner.
“Seeing my name all over, this is what I’m here for. I’ll come back. I’m ready for tomorrow (Saturday) and ready to fight,” Nunes said during the UFC 316 Q&A prior to the ceremonial weigh-in.
“Either one I’m going to be ready for,” she continued. “I’m ready to go. Kayla or Julianna, I’m going to be ready.”
Nunes stepped away from the sport to adjust to motherhood. She and her wife, Nina Nunes, have two daughters. Now that the children are a little bit older, “The Lioness” wants to return, win the title back and defend it as long as she’s capable.
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“I’m ready to stay here. I’m going to take the belt back and I’m going to defend it as long as possible. As long as my body can handle (it), I’m going to be here, so let’s go,” she said.
“I’m excited about this (fight). I’m more excited because one of them I’m going to face next.”
Regardless of who wins between Pena and Harrison, there’s a storyline connected to Nunes. Pena holds a win over Nunes. A matchup between the two would be a trilogy bout. Nunes and Harrison used to be training partners at American Top Team.
