Amanda Nunes at a Career Crossroads

The Whispers of a Return

Recent social media activity and subtle comments from Nunes have ignited fervent discussions about a potential comeback. UFC President Dana White himself has openly commented on her behavior post-retirement, expressing surprise at cryptic emoji-laden posts and a playful dancing video that even tagged White. While these gestures might seem innocuous at first glance, they’ve fueled speculation that Nunes is still very much engaged with the MMA landscape and hasn’t entirely hung up her gloves. Her active presence online, even in retirement, suggests a mind that’s still very much in the game, observing and perhaps even contemplating a return to the octagon. This subtle engagement has created a buzz, hinting that the Lioness may not be ready to fade into the background just yet.

A Shifting Landscape in Bantamweight

Beyond these digital breadcrumbs, Nunes is keenly observing the evolving dynamics within the bantamweight division. The recent championship bouts at UFC 297 and UFC 307 have particularly captured her attention, adding layers of intrigue to her potential next steps. Since her retirement, the bantamweight landscape has undergone significant transformations. Raquel Pennington initially claimed the vacant title at UFC 297 by defeating Mayra Bueno Silva. However, in a controversial split decision, Pennington subsequently lost the belt at UFC 307 to Julianna Peña. The history between Pennington and Peña, who both hold a 1-1 record against Nunes, adds a compelling narrative thread to the division’s current state.

New Challengers Emerge

The rise of Peña as the new champion presents a tantalizing possibility for Nunes should she decide to return and face her formidable rival once more. Furthermore, the division has recently welcomed Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison, who made a powerful statement by defeating Ketlen Vieira for the title. Harrison’s performance not only solidifies her status as a top contender but also injects a fresh wave of dynamism into an already competitive weight class. If Nunes were to make a comeback, she would be stepping into a division populated by hungry new rivals eager to prove themselves against the former queen. This infusion of new talent and the re-emergence of familiar adversaries create a compelling environment for any fighter contemplating a return, and especially for a legend like Nunes.