On this day in 2011, a remarkable display of raw power from ‘The Lioness’ was showcased, setting the stage for her future dominance in mixed martial arts. Amanda Nunes, renowned for her ferocious fighting style, achieved a stunning victory over Ronda Rousey years before their showdown, taking just 14 seconds to eliminate a shared adversary.
Nunes’ spectacular triumph over Rousey is merely one illustration of her ability to dismantle former champions within the UFC, further solidifying her reputation as arguably the greatest female mixed martial artist of all time. Her impressive career inside the Octagon has garnered her accolades and respect from fans and fellow competitors alike.
As discussions arise about a potential comeback fight against Kayla Harrison, some fans have speculated whether it should occur at a higher weight class. Nevertheless, witnessing the former two-division champion return to the ring would undoubtedly be a momentous occasion. The current bantamweight champion will need to devise a strategy to withstand the fierce striking power that has overwhelmed many seasoned fighters in the past.
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Should the upcoming bout take place at 145 pounds instead?
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In her Strikeforce debut, Amanda Nunes made a significant impact by swiftly defeating future Bellator champion Julia Budd. Kayla Harrison recognizes the monumental implications of defeating Nunes for her own legacy within the sport, especially considering Nunes’ high standing among her peers.
After all, ‘The Lioness’ is credited with delivering the most crushing knockout defeats to renowned fighters such as Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg. Nunes and Rousey faced off in the Octagon at UFC 207 in 2016, and both fighters had previously crossed paths with common opponents during their time in Strikeforce before joining UFC.
On that pivotal day in 2011, Nunes showcased her explosive skills, extending her winning streak to six after overcoming an earlier setback in her professional career. She wasted no time against Julia Budd, unleashing a flurry of punches that sent her opponent crashing to the canvas, promptly followed by a barrage of hammerfists that led to a swift stoppage.
Rousey also faced Budd in 2011, though it took her 39 seconds to secure her victory via armbar in what was her third professional fight. As for Nunes, she experienced a setback in her next bout, suffering a TKO loss to Alexis Davis, who would later challenge Rousey for the UFC bantamweight title.
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Years later, Julia Budd expressed that a rematch with Amanda Nunes would be a ‘dream fight’ for her. Following her initial success in MMA, Budd faced formidable opponents including Nunes, Germaine de Randamie, and Ronda Rousey, all within a single year.
Despite this challenging start to her career, Budd rebounded impressively, achieving 11 consecutive victories and defending the Bellator featherweight title three times after claiming it in 2017. However, her streak came to an end at Bellator 238 when she was defeated by the debuting Cris Cyborg, who had previously lost to Nunes just over a year prior.
Ahead of her encounter with Cyborg, Budd remarked on her interest in rekindling a matchup with Nunes in the future, stating, "That would be a dream fight. Maybe a crossover. Bellator’s down. We could fight each other and that could be a fight to solidify that spot."
Are you excited about the possibility of a rematch between these two athletes? What do you think each fighter needs to do to secure a victory if they meet again? Let us know your opinions!
