Amanda Nunes, the greatest women’s fighter of all time, announced her retirement at UFC 289 on Saturday in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Nunes laid her two UFC championship belts on the Octagon mat and had the cutman remove her gloves. She put the gloves in the middle of the two titles, kneeled down and cried into the canvas. Nunes beat Irene Aldana via unanimous decision in the main event of the pay-per-view card, a comprehensive performance in which Nunes won just about every minute. With the win, Nunes defended her UFC women’s bantamweight title. She is also the UFC women’s featherweight champion. And apparently she will vacate both belts in retirement.
Nunes’ Legacy and Future Plans
When asked in the postfight news conference what she hoped to most be remembered for, Nunes answered quickly. “The greatest of all time,” Nunes said. “I did everything. I broke a lot of records.” Nunes said she knew as soon as she signed the bout agreement to fight Aldana that it would be the final fight of her career. As for what’s next, Nunes said she plans on taking a long break and heading back to her native Brazil for a time. Nunes has been dealing with nerve damage in both legs, she said, an issue that reoccurs every time she fights. After that time off, Nunes said she’ll get back to her South Florida gym, Lioness Studio, and become a coach. She said she loves the sport too much to disappear. Nunes is confident that she can continue her legacy by making a girl champion, too. “If I really work with one girl, I can make her a champion. I know everything about this game.”
Nunes’ Accomplishments and Impact
Amanda Nunes has the most wins in UFC women’s history, the most UFC title fight wins among women in history, and the most finishes in UFC women’s history. She has beaten every other competitor who has held the UFC women’s featherweight and bantamweight titles, including Cris Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, and Holly Holm. She also owns two wins over former UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, another all-time great. Nunes is a true trailblazer and has made a significant impact on the sport of mixed martial arts. She has paved the way for female fighters and has inspired many to follow in her footsteps.
UFC president Dana White said he “wasn’t shocked” that Nunes decided to retire, because of how much money she has made and how much her life has changed over the past 10 years. “This must be what Amanda wants,” White said in the postfight news conference. “I’m definitely happy for her. Would I like to see her stick around and do some more? Absolutely. I love the kid. She’s been incredible to work with. She’s been such a good human being and great champion.” White added that the UFC women’s featherweight title and division, which lacks any kind of depth, would “probably” be retired with Nunes’ departure.
Amanda Nunes, the greatest women’s fighter of all time, has retired after a dominant performance at UFC 289. Nunes has accomplished so much in her career and has left a lasting impact on the sport of mixed martial arts. She plans on taking a break and becoming a coach, hoping to continue her legacy by making a girl champion. Nunes has paved the way for female fighters and has inspired many to follow in her footsteps. UFC fans will miss her, but her retirement is well-deserved and she will always be remembered as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
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