Kayla Harrison will defend her bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes, who returns from retirement, in a highly anticipated co-main event at UFC 324, marking the start of the UFC’s new broadcast deal with Paramount.
Kayla Harrison is set to defend her bantamweight title for the first time at UFC 324. She’ll face Amanda Nunes, who’s returning from retirement to reclaim the belt she never lost. Quite the storyline, huh?
This epic clash is the co-main event on January 24. It’s also the kickoff for the UFC’s shiny new $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount. Harrison, who dominated Julianna Peña to win the belt, was hoping for this moment.
Dana White, the UFC CEO, says Nunes’ return was spurred by Harrison’s victory. He believes the significance of this fight is monumental, given the incredible credentials both fighters bring.
“The Kayla Harrison-Amanda Nunes fight is the greatest women’s fight of all time,” White told CBS. Big words!
Harrison, an Olympic gold medalist in judo, has been a force to reckon with. She conquered another company before winning the world title here. Nunes, the GOAT, vowed to return if Harrison won the title. What a showdown!
White’s logic is hard to argue with, considering their illustrious careers. Harrison’s only loss came against Larissa Pacheco, whom she’d beaten twice before.
Nunes, meanwhile, has dominated the UFC bantamweight division. She’s defeated every former champion, including Miesha Tate, Holly Holm, and Ronda Rousey. Though she lost to Peña in 2021, she avenged that loss decisively.
After defeating Irene Aldana in 2023, Nunes retired. But the allure of facing Harrison brought her back.
Harrison vs. Nunes is the co-headliner for UFC 324. The main event features Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title. What a card!