Juliana Peña 'bets' on Amanda Nunes' return for UFC trilogy

Amanda nunes faced Juliana Peña for the first time in UFC 289. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

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After more than two years of inactivity, Juliana Peña faces Rachel Pennington in the co-main event of UFC 307, having the chance to regain the women's bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg). Despite having possible high-level opponents, such as Norm Dumont e Kayla harrison, the fighter still seems interested in a third meeting with Amanda nunes.

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In an interview with the North American website 'MMA Junkie', the 'Venezuelan vixen' stated her desire to be an active champion, with the Brazilian as her main target.

“I’m hopeful that Amanda will want to come out of retirement, I’m willing to bet that she’ll be there and that she’ll be watching very closely and I don’t believe that she’s retired like she claims she is,” Peña said.

The fighter also stated that an eventual victory could cause 'elbow pain' for the 'lioness', who retired after winning. Irene aldana No. UFC 289, in June last year.

“I think she misses the sport and doesn’t know what to do now that she’s not fighting. I think there’s going to be a green monster inside her that’s jealous and tells her she can come back. My goal will be to bring Amanda back to the Octagon and this will be the biggest women’s fight in UFC history,” concluded the former champion.

A. Nunes (right) defeated J. Peña in the UFC 277. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Amanda Nunes vs Juliana Peña

The first meeting between Amanda nunes and Juliana Peña happened in UFC 269, in December 2021. At the time, the Brazilian lost the bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg) after being submitted with a rear naked choke in the second round, in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport. Seven months later, the two faced each other in a rematch, and this time, Amanda dominated her opponent, winning by unanimous decision and regaining the title.

A third confrontation was scheduled for the UFC 289, however, Penã was injured and was replaced by Irene aldana. After the fight, the Brazilian announced her retirement from MMA, being recognized by many as the greatest fighter in the history of the sport.