The UFC landscape has forever changed as Amanda Nunes, hailed as the greatest women's fighter of all time, announced her retirement at UFC 289 in Vancouver, leaving behind an incredible legacy. After a masterful showcase of her power and precision against Irene Aldana, the Brazilian-born fighter took the gloves off, literally and metaphorically, signaling the end of an illustrious career.
The evening was primed for a thrilling battle as Nunes took on Aldana. Yet, the match quickly turned into a demonstration of Nunes' superior combat prowess. The two-division champion beat Aldana via a unanimous decision, each judge firmly in Nunes' corner with scores of 50-43, 50-44, and 50-44. It was a testament to Nunes' dominance, reaffirming her status as ESPN's top pound-for-pound women's fighter.
Originally slated to fight former champion Julianna Peña in a trilogy match, Nunes was instead paired with Aldana after her original opponent, Peña, sustained a rib injury. Despite the change in opponent, the outcome remains the same - Nunes won convincingly.
At 35, Nunes boasts an impressive 23-5 record, the most title fight wins among women in UFC history (11), and the most finishes (10). Nunes has consistently shattered barriers and made history, defeating all past holders of the UFC women's featherweight and bantamweight titles. Her opponents' list is a roll call of legends: Cris Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and two victories over Valentina Shevchenko.
The fight against Aldana was a demonstration of Nunes' skills, from her effective standup game to her deft takedowns. She outmatched Aldana, landing 142 significant strikes to Aldana's 41, and winning the takedown contest 6-0. While Aldana did land a well-timed counter right hand early in the first round, Nunes remained unfazed and continued her relentless assault.
Nunes' retirement announcement elicited a mixture of shock, disappointment, and respect. But for Nunes, the timing is the perfect example of going out while you're on top.
"Double champion forever," she stated. "This is the perfect night to retire." Her reasons for retiring are deeply personal as it stems from a desire to spend more time with her family, particularly her partner Nina and their child. She also plans to travel and enjoy the fruits of her labor.
Emerging from the small city of Pojuca, Brazil, Nunes has become an icon, a beacon of inspiration for aspiring fighters. She is one of only four fighters in UFC history to hold two divisional titles simultaneously – a feat that establishes her among the pantheon of UFC greats.
The UFC women's bantamweight and featherweight divisions are left with a void, but also an opportunity. As fighters vie for the vacant titles, they will compete in the shadow of the legend that Nunes leaves behind.
In the UFC's rich history, Nunes stands tall – a champion among champions, forever etched in the annals of MMA history.
Fingers crossed, the WWE, which now belongs to the same company as the UFC, extends Nunes a sizable offer to get her into the squared circle.
