- Amanda Nunes claims she could’ve finished Juliann Pena but she intended to prove that she could outperform her foe for five rounds
- “Lioness” said it was a war but there’s nothing to worry about her current condition
When two of the best female MMA fighters in the history of the sport meet inside the octagon, it’s gonna be an all-out war. That’s exactly what went down at UFC 277 when Julianne Pena and Amanda Nunes ran it back for the women’s bantamweight strap.
Though both fighters vowed to dismantle each other, only one prevailed and it’s “The Lioness.” The Brazilian was able to regain her double-champ status via unanimous decision but according to Nunes, she could’ve finished Pena.
CHAMP CHAMP ONCE AGAIN! 👑👑
[ @Amanda_Leoa | #UFC277 ] pic.twitter.com/2nK2tb7xk0
— UFC (@ufc) July 31, 2022
It’s a message
Nunes made history after dropping Pena three times in the fight. However, she wasn’t able to finish her rival within five rounds. But apparently, the Brazilian was just trying to make a point as she wanted to shut all her critics up and prove that she’s outright “better” than Pena.
More importantly, “Lioness” also pointed out that her upset loss to “The Venezuelan Vixen” was just a stroke of luck “but now it’s over.”
“I know Julianna’s tough,” Nunes told reporters post-fight. “I know. I was ready for that. I could’ve finished her, but I wanted to go five rounds with her tonight to prove I was better than her. … I’m better than her. I proved it tonight. Tonight proved that was a lucky day for her. If she needed to become a champion like that – she had her time, but now it’s over.”
Nunes arrived in her post-fight presser beaten black and blue with one eye almost completely shut. But as per the champ-champ, there’s nothing serious about it and she’ll discuss what’s next for her once she’s healed up.
“It was a war tonight,” Nunes stated. “I expected to come out with something, but it’s going to be fine.”
With Nunes holding the bantamweight and featherweight belts once again, it will be interesting to see who will be her next title contender. While a rubber match with Pena could be inevitable, her compatriot Ketlen Vieira also presents a strong case, having beaten former champs Holly Holm and Miesha Tate.
