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Amanda Nunes Returns For Title Clash
Amanda Nunes returns to UFC 334 after retirement to face Kayla Harrison in New York.
In brief
Amanda Nunes returns to UFC 334 after retirement to face Kayla Harrison in New York. Amanda Nunes reclaimed her UFC women's bantamweight title by defeating Kayla Harrison at Polymarket UFC 334 in New York City on November 14, 2026. Originally reported by UFC.
Amanda Nunes Retires After UFC 289
Amanda Nunes decided to retire after her fight with Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in Vancouver, Canada, on June 10, 2023.
“I burned out a little bit, and I didn’t want to keep pushing through back then and have the risk to lose because I (wasn’t) that happy to do what I love to do”
Nunes' Retirement Reason
Nunes retired due to burnout from constant travel and the physical toll of weight loss, needing mental and physical rest.
“I need to reset, clear my mind. I needed a break for my body from losing weight”
Nunes' Retirement Motivation
Nunes retired to give her younger daughter the opportunity to experience her life and career.
“My younger daughter didn’t have the opportunity to be here, see everything about my life, and I feel like she deserves to because Raegan saw”
Kayla Harrison's Rise
Kayla Harrison became the No. 1 contender after defeating Julianna Peña at UFC 297 and later submitting Peña in the second round.
“Nine months later, Harrison completed her march to the top of the division by submitting Peña in the second round”
Nunes and Harrison's History
Nunes and Harrison trained together at American Top Team in Florida but never became partners due to scheduling conflicts.
“I always knew, I always knew this day was coming, but nobody listened to me”
Fight Postponed
The fight between Nunes and Harrison was postponed when Harrison suffered a neck injury requiring surgery.
“When Harrison began training with the same coaches that were at the helm for Nunes, the UFC champion got uncomfortable”
Nunes Returns to UFC 334
Nunes returned to compete against Kayla Harrison at Polymarket UFC 334 in New York City on November 14, 2.2026.
“I got the call, my belt called me, and when my belt called me, I know my belt missed me, and I came back”
Nunes' Motivation
Nunes returned to compete because she wanted to face a tough opponent who matched her style and was motivated by her daughter.
“Kayla is a tough opponent, which is exactly how I like it. I like challenges; this is not exciting without challenges”
Nunes' Full Circle Moment
Nunes described the fight as a full-circle moment, having competed in New York City for the first time when she was 20.
“Now we’re here, in a perfect spot, New York (City). I was here when I was 20, coming from Brazil”
Nunes' Confidence
Nunes expressed confidence that she would win the fight without pressure, focusing on having fun and doing what she loves.
“I don’t have any pressure. I do this now without any pressure. The pressure is on Kayla”
UFC 334 Event Details
Polymarket UFC 334 takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 14, 2026, with early prelims starting at 5pm ET.
“Don't miss a moment of Polymarket UFC 334: Gane vs Hokit, live from Madison Square Garden in New York, New York on Saturday, November 14, 2026”
Nunes' Legacy
Nunes aims to add to her legacy by winning the title and making history in New York City.
“This is (what it’s) all about: moments, keep making history, keep doing what I love, and win”
Nunes' Final Words
Nunes described the fight as a perfect moment to reclaim her title and share the experience with her future grandchildren.
“The only thing I feel like is the circle is gonna make perfect sense. I started again, grabbed the belt, and it’s gonna be pretty cool to share later with my grandkids”
UFC 334 Significance
The fight between Nunes and Harrison is a historic clash of two dominant forces in women's MMA with personal history and legacy implications.
“This is a perfect moment, and this is why I’m here”
What to remember
Amanda Nunes reclaimed her UFC women's bantamweight title by defeating Kayla Harrison at Polymarket UFC 334 in New York City on November 14, 2026.
