The Women’s Featherweight division in the UFC has seen some incredible battles. Although not a very highly populated division, it has recently provided fans with some exciting matchups. Arguably the greatest name to come from this division is Amanda Nunes, the UFC’s top woman pound-for-pound fighter. The two-time Bantamweight title holder was also the Featherweight champion. Her revelation after her last fight prompted a major decision from UFC president Dana White.
After her recent victory against Irene Aldana, she announced her retirement. After this major announcement, a reporter asked Dana White about the future of the division. The reporter confronted White with the idea of dissolving the Women’s Featherweight division. White said, “The answer is probably yes.” He spoke on his decision in relation to her retirement and said, “I don’t make these decisions right after a fight.” However, just months after White’s answer, an old name familiar in the division is planning a return.
After announcement by Dana White, ex-Champion slated to make a grand return
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Ex-UFC Featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie took a long hiatus from fighting. Her career was marred by her absence owing to her job as a policewoman. Her last bout was against Julianna Peña in 2020. After the victory by submission, de Randamie was irregular in her fighting appearances. After being removed from the roster in 2021, ‘The Iron Lady’ announced their pregnancy with their partner. Now, in a recent interview, ‘The Iron Lady’ revealed her plans to make a grand comeback.
De Randamie said, “We are full in training and I don’t have a date yet, but we are going for November or October, end of October or November.” Speaking of her preparedness, she revealed that she was waiting for a call and that she was certain about her decision. She said, “I’m feeling good, I’m waiting for the call right now. My manager is negotiating, so we’ll see, but 2023 it will be anyway.”
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Former UFC Lightweight champ speaks on the “fire” burning inside her
De Randamie acknowledged that there are some difficulties she must conquer after her long hiatus. She elaborated, “I have to say very honestly after three years it is tough because I am also getting older by the day.” However, the fighter has now found a new inspiration within her. She continued, “My body feels that, but there is a fire burning in me. You can no longer take that figure away, and especially now that I have become a mother, I fight with a different goal”.
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During the talk, she revealed what her new goal was. De Randamie continued, “My little man. I want to make him proud. I want it to be proud of mama. So in the end, whoever is in front of me, it will be them or me, that’s one thing for sure.” There seem to be a lot of developments in the women’s Featherweight category, with one champion leaving and another planning their return. As the fighters navigate their careers, fans will have to wait and watch to see what happens.
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