Amanda Nunes Targets Title Rematch Against Kayla Harrison at UFC 334

Amanda Nunes is set to return to the UFC Octagon on November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The 38-year-old Brazilian will challenge Kayla Harrison for the women's bantamweight title at UFC 334. This bout marks Nunes' first fight in three years, as she retired from the sport in 2023 while holding two championships simultaneously.

Nunes stated that she is not returning for a final payday or to relive past glories. Instead, she intends to pick up where she left off and continue competing until her body forces her to stop. She described herself as a fighter rather than just an athlete, distinguishing her mindset from that of her opponent. Nunes believes her extensive experience in two divisions gives her a unique insight into the challenges Harrison is currently facing.

The matchup between the two former teammates has been highly anticipated. Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, has established herself as the dominant force in the division during Nunes' absence. The original plan was for them to face each other in January, but the fight was postponed to November. Nunes said the delay allowed her more time to prepare and fix technical aspects of her game, which she views as a positive development.

For the women's MMA division, Nunes' comeback is seen as a significant boost. The sport has experienced a slowdown in new star power as previous top contenders have stepped away. Nunes believes her return will reignite the hype surrounding the 135-pound weight class. She expressed that she missed the competitive aspect of fighting deeply and wanted to be part of a compelling narrative with Harrison.

New York holds personal significance for Nunes, who first arrived in the United States from Brazil at the age of 20. She recalled sleeping on a gym floor in Patterson with only $20 in her pocket while trying to establish her professional career. Now 38 years old, she is returning to the same city with a title opportunity, completing a full circle in her life journey.

Despite her status as the greatest women's fighter in MMA history, Nunes enters the bout as a betting underdog. This is a rare position for her, as the last time odds favored her opponent was before her quick victory over Cris Cyborg. The underdog status reflects the fact that Harrison has remained active while Nunes has been retired for 41 months. However, Nunes is not concerned by the odds, viewing the situation as a familiar motivator throughout her career.

The former champion reported feeling physically fresh, stating that she feels like she is 20 years old again. She was surprised by how naturally she settled back into training, describing the process as if she had never left the game. Her confidence is further fueled by the presence of her former coaches from American Top Team in Harrison's corner. Nunes sees this as an opportunity to prove the team wrong and secure the belt.

Nunes aims to win the championship and then continue to defend it. She is prepared for any strategy Harrison may employ on Saturday. The fight represents a chance for Nunes to restore her legacy and demonstrate that she still has the skills to compete at the highest level against a younger and physically imposing opponent.