Amanda Nunes is set to return from retirement for a megafight against Kayla Harrison in 2026, with Larissa Pacheco joining her training camp, as both fighters prepare for a highly anticipated UFC championship clash.
Amanda Nunes made a splash in June, stepping into the octagon to face Kayla Harrison. This set the stage for a megafight in 2026, marking Nunes’ return from retirement after Harrison’s submission win at UFC 316. Oh, and guess what? “The Lioness” invited Larissa Pacheco, the only woman to have beaten Harrison, to join her training camp.
The UFC hasn’t nailed down a date for this epic showdown yet. But Pacheco says Nunes is raring to go, even as soon as next week.
“If the UFC wants to book this fight next week or next month, Amanda’s ready,” Pacheco told MMA Fighting. “She’s ready. I can’t spill the strategy beans, but trust me, she’s ready. I’ve felt Kayla’s energy, and now Amanda’s. That fight’s hers. No doubt.”
Pacheco and Harrison have quite the history. They clashed three times in the PFL cage. Harrison took the first two wins in 2019, but Pacheco snagged the victory and PFL belt in their third encounter in November 2022.
Nunes and Harrison go way back, training together at American Top Team in Florida. Pacheco believes her insights are a game-changer for Nunes’ camp.
“I’ve felt Kayla in the cage,” Pacheco said. “Amanda’s trained with her, but I’ve faced the heat inside the octagon. It’s gonna be insane. Incredible.”
Nunes retired after defeating Irene Aldana in June 2023, leaving as a two-division UFC queen. Meanwhile, Harrison went on a tear, going 3-0 against big names like Holly Holm and Julianna Peña to become the bantamweight champ.
“She never really lost her throne,” Pacheco remarked about Nunes. “She didn’t have a challenge at her level. She beat everyone. When she retired, it felt like she was just doing it for the money. At least, that’s my take.”
But now? There’s a personal edge to this fight. Kayla’s the champ, and she’s been vocal about wanting to face Amanda. “Didn’t she want this so badly?” Pacheco mused. “This is the moment.”
“I can’t think of a better time for Amanda to return,” Pacheco continued. “To show who she is, against someone truly worthy of her challenge.”