Former two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes is facing a mandatory six-month period in the drug testing pool before she is eligible to compete again, a requirement that could postpone a potential super fight against Kayla Harrison.
Nunes retired from mixed martial arts at the pinnacle of her career after defeating Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023.
Recently, at UFC 316 on Saturday night, Kayla Harrison secured one of Nunes` former titles, the bantamweight belt, by submitting Julianna Pena. Following her victory, Amanda Nunes entered the octagon for a face-off with the new champion, seemingly indicating plans for a highly anticipated clash in the near future.
Potential Six-Month Delay for Nunes vs. Harrison
UFC President Dana White has expressed interest in making the fight between Nunes and Harrison happen but is uncertain if it`s feasible within 2025. The primary obstacle to Amanda Nunes returning before the end of the year is her current status outside of the UFC`s official drug testing program.
As with any fighter returning from retirement, `The Lioness` is required to undergo six months of random drug testing before she can step back inside the renowned UFC Octagon.
During the UFC 316 post-fight press conference, White commented on Nunes` situation:
“She’s been off… I don’t know if she’s been training. I don’t know what she’s been doing.
“Is she in the pool? No, she’s not in the pool either.”
Although the UFC has the discretion to grant exemptions in rare cases, a fighter would still need to pass a minimum of two drug tests even with an exemption.
The exact timing of a potential bout between arguably the greatest female fighter in MMA history and Kayla Harrison remains to be seen.
Kayla Harrison`s Challenging Weight Cut to 135 lbs
Kayla Harrison`s struggle to make the 135-pound weight limit ahead of UFC 316 caused concern among fans.
Speaking with Joe Rogan after the fight, the 34-year-old candidly described the difficulty of her weight cut.
“This is for anyone who’s ever felt hopeless, who’s wanted to quit, who’s wanted to give up,” Harrison said.
“On Thursday I wanted to quit, I wanted to give up. I’m referring to 135lb.
“Only God can get that last pound off me, I’m not strong enough.
“You have to go to a bad place and the only way through is to surrender and have faith.”
