LAS VEGAS – Amanda Nunes was paying close attention to Kayla Harrison’s UFC debut, and UFC CEO Dana White loved to see it.
Nunes, a former women’s bantamweight and featherweight UFC champion, posted a video on social media Saturday night reacting to Harrison’s dominant submission win over Holly Holm (15-7 MMA, 8-7 UFC) at UFC 300. Nunes, who retired in June 2023 as the greatest female MMA fighter of all time, left the door a bit open for a potential comeback. Now with Harrison (17-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in the mix, White likes the idea of the two fighting down the line.
“I did, I like it,” White told reporters at the UFC 300 post-fight press conference when asked if he saw Nunes’ reaction. “I thought she retired too soon anyway. I like that she’s intrigued by this fight. I love it.
“I love Amanda. Amanda and I have an incredible relationship. I think that she’s the GOAT in all combat sports female. So if Kayla can go in there and win a title, it would absolutely be fun to see her come back and try to grab it.”
Amanda Nunes taunts Kayla Harrison after her #UFC300 debut win.
Is the retired former champ going to come back for this? pic.twitter.com/zjneSBKZcW
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 14, 2024
Nunes and Harrison trained together at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla. Nunes split from her long-time camp towards the end of her career, as Harrison was growing in stature, winning titles in PFL.
White was impressed by what he saw from Harrison on Saturday and believes her future is bright in the promotion.
“Let me tell you what, so going in against a legend like Holly, who’s got tons of time in the octagon, I don’t care what level Kayla Harrison has competed at, I guarantee you she had some serious jitters tonight,” White said. “She came in there and performed, and she literally put it to an absolute legend of all of combat sports. Obviously, a big night for her and a big win.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.
