Amanda Nunes is widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time, with only a select few, notably Valentina Shevchenko and Cris Cyborg, considered her peers in terms of status.
Cris Cyborg holds a unique achievement in MMA as a `Grand Slam` champion, having secured world titles in major promotions including the UFC, PFL, Bellator, Strikeforce, and Invicta. The accomplished featherweight recently added the PFL championship to her collection in October by defeating Larissa Pacheco, the only fighter who has managed to beat Kayla Harrison.
Throughout her extensive 31-fight career, which features significant bouts against opponents like Gina Carano, Holly Holm, and Marloes Coenen, Cyborg`s sole defeat in the last 19 years came at the hands of the formidable Amanda Nunes. This occurred at UFC 232, ending in a 51-second TKO in what was considered one of the biggest fights in the history of women`s MMA.
As Cyborg approaches retirement from MMA with two fights remaining, the previously retired Amanda Nunes is reportedly considering a return to the UFC after approximately two years away.
Cris Cyborg Comments on Amanda Nunes` Comeback Motivation
Nunes initially retired from mixed martial arts following her eleventh successful UFC title bout, a win over Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023.
However, just last month, Nunes indicated her intention to return to the Octagon. She announced plans to face the winner of the upcoming bantamweight championship fight at UFC 316, scheduled between her former opponent Julianna Peña and her former training partner Kayla Harrison.
Reacting to the news, Cyborg shared her thoughts with Bloody Elbow.
I saw she’s saying that she’s gonna come back and maybe fight between Peña and Kayla. [When] you’re a fighter, you always want to fight, you know? I believe she still has the fire in her heart [to] come back. Let’s see what’s gonna be her next exciting fight.
Regarding her own career path, the 39-year-old veteran stated she has two remaining PFL fights before concluding her MMA career. She also expressed a desire to pursue a boxing world title in the future. This weekend, Cyborg is set to compete in a boxing match at Fight Night San Jose against Precious Harris-McCray, who holds a 4-1 record.
Cris Cyborg Analyzes Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison at UFC 316
Former PFL champion Kayla Harrison, who Cyborg claims avoided a fight with her after joining the UFC, is slated to challenge champion Julianna Peña at UFC 316 on June 7th.
Peña`s most recent performance was a controversial split decision win against Raquel Pennington, which saw her reclaim the bantamweight title she lost decisively to Nunes in their rematch at UFC 277. Peña is known for her resilience and holds the unique distinction of being the only fighter to defeat Nunes in the last decade.
Conversely, Harrison brings an impressive background, being a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Judo and a two-time PFL Lightweight Champion. A key factor for her in this fight will be making the bantamweight limit of 135 lbs for the first time in her professional career.
Offering her prediction for the Peña vs. Harrison bout, Cyborg stated,
This fight is gonna finish, like quick. I think Julianna Pena has everything to beat Kayla. She’ll defend the takedown. With judo people, you can take the back easier. So let’s see [if] Julianna has the best plan for her fight.
While predicting a swift conclusion, Cyborg clarified her thoughts on how it might end.
I don’t think she’s gonna finish one punch. You don’t see the danger like this between them. But I believe they’re both able to maybe finish by submission, but I believe it’s going to be a great fight. Five rounds is gonna be a little war there. Let’s see who has the best cardio [and] who’s gonna be ready mentally. I think it’s very important.
Gareth Pendleton