Amanda Nunes is receiving support from well-known figures as she prepares for her comeback.
Heading into the UFC’s inaugural event of 2026 and the launch of a new chapter for the promotion on Paramount+, one of the most captivating storylines is the return of one of the sport’s greatest athletes.
Nunes, who held titles in two weight classes until her unexpected retirement in 2023, is often regarded as the top female fighter of all time. Her return, anticipated by many, is set to happen after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus.
At UFC 324’s co-main event, Nunes will face Kayla Harrison for the women’s bantamweight championship. The Brazilian seeks to reclaim the 135-pound title from her former American Top Team teammate.
To prepare, Nunes has enlisted help from someone uniquely qualified to aid in defeating Harrison…
In her first fight since mid-2023, when she triumphed over Irene Aldana in a five-round battle, Nunes faces a tough challenge. Many expect Harrison’s winning style to disrupt the legend’s plans of regaining the crown.
To gain an edge, Nunes is training with Larissa Pacheco, the only woman to have beaten UFC’s reigning bantamweight queen in MMA. Pacheco overcame Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist, in 2022 after two previous decision losses, securing the PFL lightweight tournament title.
Nunes has brought Pacheco into her UFC 324 camp to maximize her chances ahead of their January 24 fight. Nunes recently shared a photo of her “secret weapon,” receiving positive reactions from fighters like Hector Lombard, Amanda Rivas, Poliana Botelho, Luana Pinheiro, and Abby Montez.
Pacheco is confident about Nunes’ upcoming match and believes Nunes will emerge victorious, stating that Nunes is fully prepared and energized for the fight. She highlighted the difference in energy, noting that while she once felt Kayla’s energy, now Amanda’s readiness is unmistakable.
“She’s ready. There’s nothing more to say about adjustments or anything else. I’m not at liberty to discuss strategy, but she’s ready,” Pacheco said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “That fight definitely belongs to her. She will walk away the winner.”
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Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans as it marks the potential return of a women’s MMA legend aiming to reclaim her throne, injecting excitement into the sport’s evolving landscape. Nunes’ alliance with Pacheco offers a fascinating dynamic that could shift the power balance in women’s bantamweight MMA and redefine her legacy.
