Nearly two years have passed since Amanda Nunes, the former two-division UFC champion and WMMA GOAT, laid down her gloves after a dominant title defense against Irene Aldana at UFC 289. Since then, the Brazilian has largely stepped out of the spotlight, turning her attention toward her personal life, most notably, raising her daughter. However, earlier this year, whispers of a potential comeback began to circulate, gaining momentum when the 36-year-old made a surprise appearance at the UFC 316 pre-fight press conference, set for June 7.

While her presence alone was enough to stir speculation, things further intensified when media members asked UFC CEO Dana White about a possible return, perhaps to face the winner of the co-main event clash between current bantamweight champion Julianna Pena and Kayla Harrison. As the cameras cut to Nunes during the exchange, she simply nodded in response, a subtle gesture that set the MMA world abuzz.

Now, after months of silence, ‘The Lioness’ has finally broken her silence. Appearing on the UFC’s official YouTube channel, the host couldn’t help but notice her physical condition and posed the burning question: “You’re looking in shape; you’re not retired and just eating bonbons on the couch. You look like you’ve been doing your pull-ups. Are you getting a little itchy? Are you getting itchy just watching it? Because there’s a rumor, there’s a rumor you might be coming back. I want you to talk to us.”

After weeks of keeping fans in suspense, Amanda Nunes responded with refreshing honesty: “Yes, definitely, you know, like I’m still in shape, I’m still training. I never left. If I left the gym and the training, I’d go crazy. I can’t—it’s like I need, I need training for, like, you know, my spirit needed training, needed, like, fighting. Like, it’s just how I, you know, this is what I’m born to do. Like, I don’t know how to do anything different than that. I’m definitely in shape. Like, what? Actually, I feel like I’m better now than before, though.”

Nunes’ MMA journey began all the way back in 2008, grinding her way through the regional circuits before earning spots in Strikeforce and Invicta FC. That climb ultimately led her to the UFC, where she didn’t just compete—she dominated. With 23 wins in 28 professional bouts, she carved out a legacy built on grit, precision, and history-making performances.

Her name is etched alongside the likes of Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier as one of the few fighters to hold championship titles in two weight classes at the same time. That rare achievement didn’t just elevate her status—it immortalized her as arguably the greatest female fighter the sport has ever seen. Even Kayla Harrison, a rising force in her own right, hasn’t been able to shake the thought of sharing the cage with the Brazilian legend.

Kayla Harrison backs Amanda Nunes’ UFC return rumors

Kayla Harrison has achieved what Ronda Rousey never could. Once a rising judoka under Rousey’s mentorship and a close training partner, the Ohio export carved her own path to glory by becoming the first—and still the only—American to win Olympic gold in judo. From there, she transitioned seamlessly into MMA, dominating in the PFL, where she claimed the lightweight title and built an unbeaten reputation.

Seeking bigger challenges and a grander stage, the 34-year-old made her UFC debut last year. Two fights in, two dominant wins—Kayla Harrison is undefeated in the Octagon and now set for her toughest test yet: a showdown with two-time bantamweight champion Julianna Pena at UFC 316 this June.

But it’s not just ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ that has fans buzzing. At the UFC 316 pre-fight press conference, Dana White and retired legend Amanda Nunes made a surprise appearance. Nunes’ cryptic smile when asked about a potential comeback stirred excitement—could ‘The Lioness’ be ready to roar again?

For Harrison, though, it’s all business. A victory over Juliana Peña could launch her into superstardom—and if Amanda Nunes does return, Harrison already knows who she wants for her first title defense. Speaking candidly about the prospect, she said: “I just think that she is the greatest of all time. To me, that’s a very clear distinction of where she has put herself, and I didn’t come to the sport to be the second greatest. May we share the cage with respect and dignity, and may the best woman win.”

Now let’s talk: What’s your take on the Amanda Nunes comeback rumors? At 36, would it be a smart move for her to step back into the Octagon? And be honest—would you want to see The Lioness roar one more time? Drop your opinion below!