There are a handful of contenders worthy of getting the opportunity to challenge Amanda Nunes for the UFC women’s bantamweight championship, but Nunes apparently already has her mind made up about who she wants to fight.
The Brazilian champion revealed during a Q&A session prior to UFC 201 that she wants to get in the Octagon with Ronda Rousey, and she made a bold guarantee about the potential fight.
“I’ve been training jiu-jitsu since I started. Jiu-jitsu and judo both together,” Nunes said. “I know how to block very well judo throws, I know how to use my hips very well. I know if Ronda Rousey is coming back, I’m going to keep the championship.”
Rousey hasn’t fought since losing the bantamweight belt at UFC 193 to Holly Holm. Since then, the belt has changed hands two more times with Nunes last claiming it at UFC 200 against Miesha Tate.
Dana White has stated in the past that Rousey would get a title shot immediately when she made her comeback, but Rousey still hasn’t given any indication on when she will return.
If Rousey’s hiatus is prolonged even further, Nunes said she’d gladly fight one of two other challengers.
“We have a couple of girls in line right now — Julianna Pena, Valentina Shevchenko, and if Ronda’s not coming back, I’ll take Julianna Pena. It’s no problem.”
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
