Former UFC featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie, who took a break from fighting to start a family, plans to return to the ring in 2023 and is eyeing a title shot in the bantamweight division, discussing potential match-ups against fighters like Julianna Pena, Raquel Pennington, and Pannie Kianzad.
Germaine de Randamie, the former UFC Featherweight champion, is expected to end her nearly three-year hiatus from fighting by the end of 2023. Starting a family had been de Randamie’s priority over her UFC career, and she had her son back in March. This was a fulfillment of her lifelong dream and it gave her a renewed sense of purpose towards her MMA career. “I am complete. I’m absolutely complete now,” said de Randamie. She continued by saying, “I don’t have to fight. I fight because I really want to fight. I really love fighting, and the main reason for me now is I want to make my son proud.”
Despite taking a break from fighting, de Randamie kept herself updated with the latest happenings in the UFC, especially as she prepared for her comeback. With the retirement of Amanda Nunes, the promotion currently doesn’t have a bantamweight champion. De Randamie, who holds victories over ex-UFC champion Julianna Pena and Raquel Pennington — both frequently mentioned as potential title contenders — sees her return as perfectly timed. “I know I’m not in the position to ask for any of that,” said de Randamie. “But if the UFC calls and says, ‘Hey Germaine, you want to fight for the title against Raquel or Julianna?’ You can send me the bout agreements right away because I’ll put my autograph on it. Let’s go.”
UFC president Dana White did not commit to any plans to crown a new bantamweight champion just yet. Like other fighters, de Randamie doesn’t expect to be involved in a vacant title fight. However, she believes an impressive win in her return could change things quickly. Hence, she is focused on returning sooner rather than later, hoping to book a fight by December. She expressed, “In an ideal world, [I would fight] Julianna Pena or Raquel Pennington,” showing respect for both fighters.
Assuming her return is victorious, de Randamie’s eyes are set on the title for 2024. She is open to any challenge, whether it be fighting against Pena, Pennington, or someone else. “Let’s make it happen,” de Randamie said confidently. “That’s what I’m shooting for. I’m going to give it my all in my comeback fight. I know I have to deliver. That’s my focus. I’ve got to deliver and make sure everybody knows I’m still there and I’m coming for the title.”