Amanda Nunes` highly anticipated return to fighting is contingent on her undergoing a mandated six-month period of drug testing.
The acclaimed former dual-weight champion concluded her career at its peak, stepping away from the sport after securing a victory over Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023.
At the recent UFC 316 event on Saturday night, Kayla Harrison emerged victorious by submitting Julianna Pena, thereby claiming the bantamweight title that Nunes previously held.
Following the co-main event, Amanda Nunes entered the Octagon to face off with the new champion, a moment widely interpreted as a strong signal that these two prominent fighters are on a collision course in the near future.Potential Six-Month Delay for Nunes vs Harrison
UFC President Dana White has expressed enthusiasm for this potential matchup but remains uncertain if it will materialize in 2025. A significant challenge for Nunes` potential comeback before the year`s end is her current status; she is not presently enrolled in the UFC`s official drug testing pool.
According to regulations, `The Lioness,` like any other fighter returning from retirement, must complete six months of random drug tests administered by the testing body before being cleared to compete within the renowned UFC Octagon.
Speaking about Nunes` situation during the UFC 316 post-fight press conference, White stated, “She’s been off… I don’t know if she’s been training. I don’t know what she’s been doing.”
He further clarified her testing status: “Is she in the pool? No, she’s not in the pool either.”
While the UFC does possess the authority to grant exemptions to the standard waiting period, such instances are uncommon. Even if an exemption is granted, the returning fighter is still required to pass at least two drug tests.
The timeline for witnessing the clash between possibly the greatest female mixed martial artist in history and Kayla Harrison remains to be determined.
Kayla Harrison`s Difficult Weight Cut to 135lbs
Prior to UFC 316, Kayla Harrison`s strenuous effort to make the 135-pound weight limit caused considerable worry among fans.
Following her impressive performance, the 34-year-old fighter detailed the arduous experience of cutting weight to commentator Joe Rogan.
Harrison shared her perspective, stating, “This is for anyone who’s ever felt hopeless, who’s wanted to quit, who’s wanted to give up.”
She candidly admitted, “On Thursday I wanted to quit, I wanted to give up. I’m referring to 135lb.”
Emphasizing the difficulty, she added, “Only God can get that last pound off me, I’m not strong enough.”
She concluded by describing the mental fortitude required: “You have to go to a bad place and the only way through is to surrender and have faith.”
Gareth Pendleton