Kayla Harrison secured herself an impressive Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut, choking out former women’s Bantamweight champion, Holly Holm, in the second round of their “Prelims” bouts at UFC 300 last night (Sat., April 13, 2024) in Las Vegas, Nevada (see it again here).
After her win, Harrison was quick to call out the top division contenders, eager to secure a title shot before 2024 expires. One name she left out was former two-division champion, Amanda Nunes, who posted a video on social media expressing disappointment in the judoka’s failure to name her as a possible future opponent (see it here).
When asked about Nunes’ reaction and potential comeback, UFC CEO, Dana White, was over the moon when talking about the possibility of seeing “Lioness” inside the cage against the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
“I did see the reaction, I like it,” White said during UFC 300’s post-fight press conference. "I thought she retired too soon anyway. I like that she is intrigued by this fight, I love it. And I love Amanda. Her and I have an incredible relationship and I think she is the greatest of all time in woman’s combat sports.
“If Kayla can get in there and win a title, it would absolutely be fun to see her (Nunes) come back to try to win it again,” White added.
Nunes retired in mid-2023, citing nerve damage in her legs as the culprit for her decision. And she did it by going out on top, defending her 135-pound strap against Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in what proved to be her last fight (for now).
As far as Harrison’s debut, White was more than pleased to see the latest high-profile free agent acquisition to his ever-impressive roster score a huge win over an established veteran like Holm.
“So, going in against a legend like Holly — who has a ton of Octagon time — and I don’t care what level Kayla Harrison has competed in, I guarantee you she had serious jitters tonight,” White said. “She came in there, performed and put it to an absolute legend in all of combat sports.”
White then offered “The Preacher’s Daughter” some unfortunate, but perhaps sage, advice.
“Obviously, a big night for Kayla and a big win, but I would love to see Holly retire,” White concluded.
Nevertheless, lost in the shuffle of all those three ladies is the reigning women’s Bantamweight champion, Raquel Pennington, who won the strap by defeating Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297 earlier this year. And let’s not forget about Julianna Pena, who is eager to return to action after losing the belt to Nunes in July 2022.
Indeed, Harrison has a tough road to travel to earn a shot at the strap to potentially set up a super fight against Nunes … just don’t expect it to be for a women’s “BMF” title.
I bet we see this. I’m going with Kayla after what she did to Holms last night… Always root for my Ohio people too!
Cris Cyborg Calls To Fight Winner Of Potential Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes UFC Fight, Dana White Has Dismissive Response
Cyborg wants the winner if Nunes returns to fight Harrison, but White isn’t interested.
As long as Kayla can close the distance and avoid a bomb from Nunes, she should be able to take her down and wear Nunes out with grappling
I don’t think Nunes will even bother coming outta retirement to get her ass handed to her. Kayla looked like she hydrated up to about 160lbs for the fight from 136. Nunes has a punchers chance but Kayla would just manhandle her