Nunes was scheduled to return to the Octagon on Saturday against Kayla Harrison for the women’s bantamweight title. It was a highly anticipated match, but unfortunately a neck injury to Harrison forced her to withdraw from the fight. Since Harrison backed out, Nunes hasn’t said anything, but she has finally broken her silence.
Speaking in Portuguese in a video on the UFC’s YouTube channel, Nunes admitted the news was disappointing.
“The news that Kayla had surgery and everything made me sad because I had prepared myself well,” Nunes said said. “My training camp was perfect. I was prepared physically, mentally and spiritually, so it’s hard not to be sad about that. But what can we do, right? That’s out of our control. Now we’re just waiting to see what the UFC will do.”
Nunes will not fight on Saturday as she will wait and see how long Harrison will be out.
Amanda Nunes will fight alone for the undisputed title
However, Nunes made one thing clear: she will not be fighting for an interim title. So it’s either Harrison or fight for the vacant title if the champion is forced out due to the injury.
“People talk about an interim belt or fighting someone else, but guys, that’s not happening,” Nunes said. “I only fight for the real title. If the UFC leaves the belt and finds an opponent, then I will fight. But no interim belt for me.”
“I don’t want to fight another opponent right now, that’s not an option. So let’s see if we wait for Kayla or not and see what will happen,” Nunes concluded. “But one thing is for sure: I feel good, I train a lot, I am strong, motivated and I am 37 years old with a lot of energy. I am ready to get my belt back.”
Amanda Nunes retired after her 2023 win over Irene Aldana.
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