The challenge that brought Nunes out of retirement

Amanda Nunes is returning to the UFC after retiring in 2023, drawn back by the challenge of facing Kayla Harrison. The bout brings together two of women’s MMA’s leading champions and, Nunes says, could help renew attention on the women’s divisions.

Nunes, 38, has won 23 of 28 career fights, including 13 by knockout, and held UFC titles at bantamweight and featherweight at the same time. Harrison, 36, is a two-time Olympic judo gold medallist who won the UFC bantamweight title in her third fight with the promotion. Their fight, postponed after Harrison’s neck and spinal surgery, is scheduled for UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden; Nunes says she hopes to continue fighting beyond it.