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Amanda Nunes could make her long-awaited octagon return this year, at least according to UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. 'DC' addressed the potential for the Brazilian great's comeback on the latest edition of his Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast with fellow MMA legend Chael Sonnen.
Not only was Cormier certain of Nunes' return, but he also claimed that its chances of taking place increase tenfold if Kayla Harrison dethrones Julianna Peña for the women's bantamweight title. He added that the fight, if it happens, will take place at 135 pounds, not the nonexistent featherweight division.
"Yes, absolutely. Amanda Nunes is back in 25, bro. Especially if Kayla Harrison wins. If Kayla Harrison beats, if she beats Julianna, Amanda's back."
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When Sonnen briefly broached the topic of a possible featherweight clash, Cormier was quick to dismiss the notion.
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"Absolutely [it happens at bantamweight]. There is no 145. The 145 belt [is gone]."
Check out Daniel Cormier previewing Amanda Nunes' return (5:29):
There is good reason to expect Nunes to return. The UFC women's bantamweight division has been bereft of compelling names besides Peña and Harrison. A hypothetical clash between the two-time Olympic judo champion and Nunes has been a long sought-after fight.
However, both Peña and Harrison are aiming for a fight with 'The Lioness,' who is arguably the greatest female fighter of all time. Peña, who reigns as the current women's bantamweight champion had a notable rivalry with Nunes, submitting her in their first fight in one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.
In their rematch, though, Nunes authored a dominant, knockdown-heavy performance to even out the scoreline.
Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison were once training partners
The peak of Amanda Nunes' career saw her train at American Top Team, which was coincidentally the same gym that Kayla Harrison trained at and continues to. Due to tension between both women, Nunes ultimately left the gym to find a more personalized team.
Moreover, she seemed uncomfortable with the notion of a potential rival studying her training routine and possibly being set up as her successor in a way. This only served to intensify the pair's rivalry and generate more intrigue in a potential clash.
