Amanda Nunes is back in action! According to Ariel Helwani, ‘The Lioness’ is all set to face Felicia Spencer on June 6. Nunes is arguably the greatest female fighter of all time. She has beaten former champions, prospects, and even other GOATs.
In her last fight, she neutralized one of the best strikers in the division, Germaine de Randamie. Nunes outclassed her on the ground for five straight rounds.
Since she is so dominant on the ground, the UFC decided to pair her up against another contender who might be equally good on the ground, Felicia Spencer. Spencer (8-1) has victories over elite fighters like Megan Anderson and Zarah Fairn. She is also one of the very few women who went full three rounds with Cris Cyborg.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer UFC women’s featherweight title fight is officially moving to June 6, per sources. Location TBD. Also TBD whether it will serve as the main event.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 5, 2020
Why did Amanda Nunes turn down the fight in the first place?
Spencer is tough and durable and Amanda Nunes seems to realize that. Originally, Nunes was scheduled to fight Spencer on May 9. But the Brazilian refused to take a short-notice fight as she understood what was on stake.
In an interview with CBS Sports, Nunes said that she will not be fighting because she needs at least a full training camp.
“Actually, I’m not fighting May 9,” Nunes told CBS Sports,’ Brian Campbell. “I’m going to fight, [but] I don’t know yet. I don’t think this is the right time for me right now to fight.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Let this coronavirus pass a little bit so I can at least have a full camp. We can maybe see around June, [but] let’s see what is going to happen. But I’m not fighting [May 9].”
Nobody can blame Nunes for not accepting a fight so soon. According to Ariel Helwani, she is expecting a baby with Nina Ansaroff. Also, the champion stands to lose more than the challenger.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Based on interviews with other fighters like Justin Gaethje, it seems like the UFC did not notify their fighters beforehand. The media was aware before the fighters. This could have been a strategy employed by the company to force the fighters to sign the contract.
Nevertheless, as Daniel Cormier said, it was brave of Nunes to say “no” in such circumstances. Moreover, both fighters will have a leveled playing field. Hopefully, we get to see the best versions of the athletes.