In a surprise to most spectators in the arena and watching at home, Amanda Nunes announced her retirement after her victory over Irene Aldana at UFC 289.
Dana White was one of the few who wasn’t surprised by the announcement from Nunes, saying in the post-fight press conference that she has made a lot of money and that her life is a lot different now compared to ten years ago.
”I’ve got to take it [the retirement] the same way I took it when Lorenzo [Fertitta] retired. I wasn’t happy when Lorenzo retired either, but he said, ‘This is what I want, be happy for me’ – this must be what Amanda wants, so I’m definitely happy for her.”
White was full of praise for the Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion and touched on both her accolades and how much he rates Amanda Nunes as a person, not just a fighter:
”Would I like to see her stick around and do [fight] some more, absolutely. I love the kid; she’s been incredible to work with. She’s such a good human being and a great champion; obviously the greatest female fighter of all time.”
Shortly after Dana White paid tribute to the female GOAT, Amanda Nunes entered the post-fight press conference with the aid of crutches. The reason for the walking aids was due to the long-term damage she has suffered to her leg as a result of all the fights she has had previously. She’s not supposed to kick much, advice that was abandoned last night; such is her warrior spirit. Both belts sat on the desk; sadly, it will be the last time we see her in the presence of both titles and as the current double champion.
Nunes was asked how long she has been thinking about retirement, and she confirmed that ever since signing the contract for the fight at UFC 289 with Irene Aldana, she intended to hang up the gloves after the fight. Nunes purposefully stayed away from the media in the build-up to last night’s event as she didn’t want the main story going into the fight to be about her retirement, preferring to keep her decision hidden from the public.
When asked if she was surprised that Irene Aldana didn’t offer more of a challenge, ‘The Lioness’ explained that she wasn’t surprised with how the fight played out.
”You know, it went exactly how it was pictured in my mind. I did what I was supposed to do; I really wanted to mix everything, which is exactly what I did. I know her body is very weak, too; I was exploiting [that]. My first shot was to her body, and I knew that would change the whole game plan of hers.”
Nunes said her opponent could not cope with the champion mixing up her strikes and takedowns. The unpredictability left the challenger not knowing what to do, instead leaving her to rely on her boxing – a fair assessment from Nunes.
Interestingly, Nunes said that she believed her stance switches surprised Aldana, who thought that Nunes would throw most of her strikes from the southpaw position. Nunes could hear the confusion coming from Aldana’s corner as they encouraged her to press forward and strike; advice which Nunes says plays into her strengths as she performs best when being hunted down due to her quick reflexes and brute force.
In terms of her future plans, Nunes will take a well-earned break and then focus on the gym that she owns, training a couple of the girls she works with; the goal being to coach one of her students to a world title. Not a bad mentor to have!
Amanda Nunes retires from the sport with a 23-5 record and eight title defenses in the UFC. Just as impressive, if not more, is who her victories have come against. ‘The Lioness’ has defeated Miesha Tate, Valentina Shevchenko (x2), Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and Cris Cyborg. Three of those five names are often mentioned in the female GOAT debate, and Nunes has beaten them all.
My first thoughts were that Nunes’ retirement was premature. When looking at the above, it’s difficult to establish a case for the double champion having anything left to prove. She is one of the very few who retire at the very top. She reached the pinnacle, stayed there, and leaves the UFC with a lasting legacy on the sport, but more importantly, having inspired many future female UFC champions.
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