Amanda Nunes Ends Retirement, Eyes UFC Gold After Hall of Fame Induction

Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in MMA history, has officially ended her retirement and is set to return to the Octagon. The announcement came during the UFC 314 broadcast, where Nunes confirmed her intention to fight the winner of the upcoming Kayla Harrison vs. Julianna Peña bout, scheduled for June 7.

One more time for an all-time great? 🦁

Amanda Nunes hinted at a return to the Octagon following the news of her HOF induction at #UFC314 pic.twitter.com/HjC4THdX1J

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) April 14, 2025

Nunes, who last fought in June 2023 when she dominated Irene Aldana and then announced her retirement, explained her decision with characteristic candor. “I’m open—Kayla or Julianna, I want my belt back. I’m going to fight for it. I’m driven by challenges, I like challenges in my life,” Nunes declared. While she expressed no clear preference, she hinted at a strong desire to face Kayla Harrison, praising the Olympic judoka’s strength and evolving skill set. “Kayla is really strong, I want her. Julianna is fine, I’ve fought her twice, I’ll fight her again. But Kayla is strong, she’s coming up, she’s at a good level, has great judo, strong grappling, and is improving in striking. I’m ready for either of them. This is serious,” Nunes said.

Hall of Fame Induction Fuels the Comeback

The timing of Nunes’ return is especially poignant, as the UFC announced during the same broadcast that she will be inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame later this year. The honor seemed to ignite an even greater fire in the Brazilian legend. “I got the Hall of Fame, now I want to get back in there and brawl again. I want to keep making history. Now I want to be the only person who left, came back, and took the belt again,” Nunes said, her trademark competitive spirit on full display.

Amanda Nunes bursts into tears after finding out she’ll be inducted into the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame 🥹🙌

(via @ufcontnt)pic.twitter.com/6wW0Pi9iwh

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2025

Nunes’ plan is clear: reclaim the bantamweight title and defend it, bringing the belt back to Brazil. “I’m going to get (the title) and I’m going to defend it. And Brazil has to come with me. Let’s go!” she rallied, calling on her fans for support.

Her return sets up a blockbuster scenario for the women’s bantamweight division. If Harrison defeats Peña, fans could witness a dream matchup between two of the most decorated women in combat sports. If Peña wins, a trilogy fight with Nunes—who has already faced and split victories with the American—would be equally compelling.

Amanda Nunes’ comeback is more than just a return; it’s a quest to make history once again. As she eyes her old throne, the MMA world waits to see if “The Lioness” can reclaim her crown and further cement her legacy as the sport’s greatest.