Amanda Nunes, a UFC icon, has opened up about a key moment in her career. The Brazilian fighter recently confirmed that Kayla Harrison’s arrival at American Top Team pushed her to leave the gym. This revelation came after Harrison’s title win at UFC 316, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.
Nunes shared her reasoning during the event.
“Yes, I did [leave because of Kayla Harrison],” Nunes said during the UFC 316 post-fight show. “Because when she got there, she started training with my coach, Mike Brown, Anderson [Franca], everybody, and I knew this fight would happen one day.” She added that sharing the same space would have created tension, especially for team owner Dan Lambert.
The dynamic shifted quickly at the gym.
“If I was there now, that would be a problem. A huge problem for [American Top Team owner] Dan [Lambert]. She would have to move. Both training at the same gym, never would have happened,” Nunes explained.
The presence of a potential rival altered the atmosphere.
AMANDA NUNES VS. KAYLA HARRISON 🔥
THIS WILL BE SPECIAL 🍿 #UFC316 pic.twitter.com/2Cwwh2ySIA
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 8, 2025
Nunes’ Journey and Rivalry with Harrison
Amanda Nunes built her legacy over years in the UFC. Born in 1988 in Brazil, she joined American Top Team in 2013 and rose to fame, winning the bantamweight title in 2016 against Miesha Tate. She later claimed the featherweight belt in 2018, defeating Cris Cyborg, becoming a two-division champion.
Her tenure at the gym ended in 2022 after Harrison joined. Nunes dominated opponents like Ronda Rousey and Valentina Shevchenko but retired in 2023 after beating Irene Aldana. Harrison’s UFC debut in 2024 and recent title win at UFC 316 reignited their rivalry, rooted in their uneasy gym coexistence.
Nunes described the early tension.
“Honestly, we felt it at the gym,” Nunes said. “As soon as she got the microphone, she used to talk about me. From that moment, we already started [feeling different], we always respected each other in the gym but we knew. The energy, we were never able to connect. We’re training here and there, we never was training partners in the gym. Let’s be honest. We were never training partners.”
Their sporadic training sessions added strain.
“Here and there we were training, also I was completely out of shape. Every time I’d come back to the gym, somehow we’re training and I’m like damn, I’m going to train with Kayla when I’m completely out of shape? That’s not fair. Now we’re going to see each other when I’m at full time in camp, 100 percent strong ‘The Lioness’ and she’s going to know exactly who I am inside the cage,” Nunes noted.
Return Plans and Future Battles
Nunes is gearing up for a comeback.
“Honestly, I’m going to really get in camp full time, I was training here in there but always in shape,” Nunes said. “Honestly, November/December, I might be ready to go.” She must complete six months of UFC anti-doping tests, a requirement for retired fighters.
Her determination shines through.
“Look, my body’s good, I don’t have an injuries,” Nunes said. “My brain is amazing. My soul is ready for everything. I’m going get the belt, defend as long as possible. I’m ready to do it all over again. You guys never see that before. I’m going to be the first one. I’m going to do it all over again. I’m going to become a new champion and then defend the belt and we’re going to keep going. Honestly, I’m pumped for this.” via MMAFighting
The fight with Harrison looms large. Nunes’ exit from American Top Team and her planned return signal a new chapter.
