Will Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes Ever Happen? Latest Updates & Predictions

By Ali Hammad June 05, 2025 09:19

The prospect of a superfight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes has been a hot topic in MMA circles, especially as UFC 316 approaches with Harrison challenging Julianna Peña for the women’s bantamweight title. Both athletes are among the most dominant female fighters in history Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist turned MMA star, and Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female MMA fighter ever with dual UFC titles in bantamweight and featherweight divisions. But will this highly anticipated matchup ever materialize? Here’s the latest on their potential clash and expert predictions.

The Current Landscape

Kayla Harrison enters UFC 316 with an impressive professional MMA record of 18-1 and is just two fights into her UFC career. Her manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently outlined an ambitious plan: if Harrison dethrones Peña to claim the bantamweight belt, the next step would be a title unification bout against Amanda Nunes, who retired in June 2023 but has been teasing a comeback.

Nunes, who holds the record for most wins in UFC women’s title fights (11) and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2025, has expressed a strong desire to return to the Octagon specifically to face Harrison. At Peña vs. Harrison’s initial press conference, Nunes was spotted in the front row, signaling her interest and readiness to re-enter competition for a showdown with Harrison.

The Backstory: Rivalry and Respect

The two fighters share a complicated history. They trained together briefly at American Top Team early in their careers, but their relationship was reportedly strained. Nunes described their gym partnership as “random” and not consistent, citing her own travel and training schedule as reasons for limited interaction. Harrison, meanwhile, has publicly called Nunes the “greatest of all time” and expressed respect for her accomplishments, adding, “May we compete in the cage with respect and honor, and may the best woman prevail”.

Challenges and Predictions

Despite the mutual interest, several hurdles remain. Harrison must first overcome Peña, who is a resilient and tough opponent. Abdelaziz acknowledged Peña’s toughness but remains confident in Harrison’s ability to win decisively. UFC commentator Jon Anik has suggested that a fight with Harrison would be the primary motivator for Nunes to come out of retirement, more so than a third fight with Peña.

From a stylistic standpoint, the matchup is intriguing. Nunes’ striking power and finishing ability contrast with Harrison’s elite judo and grappling skills. Nunes has defeated notable champions like Ronda Rousey and Valentina Shevchenko, while Harrison’s grappling dominance in MMA is nearly unparalleled. Experts predict a tactical battle where Harrison’s ground game will be tested against Nunes’ striking and experience.

What’s Next?

If Harrison captures the bantamweight title at UFC 316, the UFC is likely to prioritize setting up a superfight with Nunes, who has already hinted at a featherweight title run afterward, aiming to become a two-division champion once again. Abdelaziz envisions Harrison defeating Nunes at both 145 and 135 pounds, cementing her legacy as the sport’s top female fighter.

The Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes fight is not just a fantasy matchup; it is a very real possibility contingent on Harrison’s victory over Peña. Both fighters have publicly expressed interest, and Nunes’ retirement appears more like a hiatus with a clear path back to the cage. The clash would be a historic event, pitting judo’s greatest Olympian against MMA’s most accomplished female champion.

As UFC 316 approaches, all eyes will be on Harrison’s performance, which could set the stage for one of the most anticipated fights in women’s MMA history. Should it happen, fans can expect a high-stakes battle filled with skill, strategy, and legacy-defining moments.