Amanda Nunes accused of avoiding fight during Kayla Harrison layoff

Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC

Amanda Nunes has decided to wait until the UFC bantamweight champion is fully fit before making her return.

The Brazilian icon had been set to step back into the Octagon in January, less than three years after stepping away from the sport. However, reigning champion Kayla Harrison was forced to pull out of their scheduled fight due to a neck injury that required surgery.

That setback meant a delay for what was already a much-anticipated clash between former teammates. Rather than take another fight in the meantime, Nunes has chosen to stay in training and wait for Harrison’s return.

Norma Dumont claims Amanda Nunes turned down their fight due to ‘fear of losing’

Photo by Jordan Jones/Getty Images

It didn’t take long for the UFC to confirm plans for Harrison vs. Nunes to be rescheduled for later in 2026, but the promotion did have a potential option to keep the Brazilian’s comeback intact.

Norma Dumont offered to step in and face the Lioness on short notice, with an interim title on the line.

But it seems that for Nunes, her return from retirement is only happening if it’s against Harrison.

Dumont sees that as a sign of “fear.”

“It was a bit frustrating for me,” Dumont told MMA Fighting. “First because I accepted the fight on 10 days’ notice and she didn’t want it, saying she wanted the undisputed belt.”

“It’s frustrating because if she came back just for Kayla, then I imagine she’ll retire after that fight. I feel like there might be some fear of losing.

“For example, I hear a lot of people telling me, ‘You’re going to fight the No. 11, it’s a very risky fight.’ Man, only people who don’t trust their hands are afraid of risk.”

“I don’t care at all about who they put in front of me. I know my work, I know my level, I know what I’m going to do. The feeling I get is: ‘I don’t want to fight Norma because it’s a tough fight.’ If I lose this one now before fighting Kayla.