Norma Dumont is on a six-fight winning streak, but the Brazilian contender finds herself in an impossible position: There is no one above her available to fight, and the division title picture remains frozen following the cancellation of Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes at UFC 324.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Dumont didn’t hold back about her frustration with the situation. The 34-year-old explained that she had hoped the match between Harrison and Nunes would finally bring clarity to the division. Instead, Harrison’s neck injury, which required surgery for a hernia, has left everything in limbo, with the fight potentially postponed until mid-2026.
Norma Dumont frustrated
When Harrison withdrew from UFC 324, Dumont immediately volunteered to replace her and face Nunes for the title. That offer went nowhere. Dumont believes Nunes refused to accept any replacementand chose to wait for Harrison.
“I thought Amanda was back to really fight and fight whoever, and now it’s all about this little issue between old teammates and whatever their problem is, and this is stalling my career. So it’s really frustrating,” Dumont told MMA Junkie.
The “problem” Dumont was referring to is the well-documented history between Nunes and Harrison at America’s top team. Nunes left ATT in 2022 and later admitted that Harrison’s presence in the gym was a major factor in her departure. The two share the same former coach, Mike Brown, and Nunes has said she knew a fight between them was inevitable.
Dumont’s frustration extends beyond the title photo. She pointed to multiple ranked fighters who remain on the sidelines while maintaining their position in the rankings. No. 1 seed Julianna Peña is recovering from elbow surgery following her loss to Harrison at UFC 316 and has not indicated when she will return. No. 2 seed Raquel Pennington has been out since October 2024 due to neck problems that required surgery.
“Clean it up, you know, and get new blood in to replace the people who occupy these rankings and spend a year or two years without fighting. That’s what holds everything together. In a perfect world, these girls should move on and provide opportunities for new fighters,” Dumont said.
Dumont last competed in November 2025, defeating Ketlen Vieira via split decision at UFC Fight Night 263 to extend her winning streak. Her streak includes victories over Vieira, Irene Aldana, Germaine de Randamie and Karol Rosa. Despite these results, she has no scheduled opponent and no timeline for a potential title shot.
“It’s really frustrating, you know. I thought once Kayla and Amanda fought, the division would eventually move forward. For me, it’s a tough situation. Julianna is hurt, Raquel is hurt. I don’t have anyone above me that would help me get up those stairs and we’re all stuck. The division isn’t moving.”
The Brazilian said she will continue training and accept any fight the UFC offers. She remains focused on the championship and refuses to let external factors derail her preparation.
“It may take time, things may happen, but I guarantee you I will get my chance. I am going to be a champion,” Dumont said.
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