What’s Next For Amanda Nunes? Champ Ponders Retirement

There appears to be something in the water around the UFC and reigning champions.

Amanda Nunes, who holds both the UFC featherweight and bantamweight titles, is pondering retirement following a successful defense over Felicia Spencer at UFC 250.

In recent months, Henry Cejudo has retired and Jon Jones has asked for his release following a series of back-and-forth messages with UFC president Dana White.

“I don’t know, I’ve achieved everything I wanted,” Nunes told Esporte Epetacular (thanks to MMA Fighting for the quotes). “I’m well, I can go on with my life, maybe a new step, find new talents, help some girls there; maybe be a coach, too.”

Nunes and fellow fighter Nina Ansarof are preparing to focus on the birth of their first daughter as she sits out the remainder of 2020. 

“I’m in a moment that I can retire, you know, and I’m in a moment that I can fight,” Nunes said. “I’m fine. There’s nothing else to be done right now in the division. The Hall of Fame will come, for sure. My life going forward, if I do stop now, the UFC will give me every support I need to continue having my money and work.”

Previously, Nunes mentioned retiring after besting Cris Cyborg and heading into a title defense with Holly Holm. 

Along with wins over Cyborg and Holm, Nunes has also bested the likes of Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate and Valentina Shevchenko during her career.

The 32-year-old Nunes became the first female fighter in UFC history to hold two titles at the same time, and also became the first fighter in UFC history to defend two divisions while holding both belts. 

She ranks first in the promotion with 12 wins and first with seven wins in title fights, scoring six knockouts in the bantamweight division and eight stoppage wins overall.