by Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes are set to meet Saturday, Nov. 14, at Madison Square Garden in a matchup that brings together two of the most accomplished women in mixed martial arts.
Harrison will defend her UFC women’s bantamweight championship against Nunes, a former two-division champion returning to competition after three years.
Harrison, 36, built her career in judo before making the move to mixed martial arts. She won Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016, establishing herself as one of the sport’s top competitors. Her judo background continues to influence the way she fights, particularly through her takedowns and ability to control opponents on the ground.
Since joining the UFC, Harrison has gone 3-0 and earned the bantamweight championship in June 2025 by defeating Julianna Peña. Her professional record stands at 19-1, with eight submission victories and six wins by knockout, according to her UFC profile.
This fight will also mark Harrison’s return after more than a year away from competition. The match-up was originally scheduled in January 2026 but was withdrawn after Harrison suffered a neck injury that required surgery.
Nunes, 38, enters the matchup with a 23-5 record. Known as “The Lioness,” she previously held the UFC women’s bantamweight and featherweight championships. During her career, she became the first woman in UFC history to hold two division titles simultaneously.
Nunes last competed in June 2023, defeating Irene Aldana before announcing her retirement. Her decision to return brings her back to the division she once dominated, with another championship opportunity waiting.
The fighters have different backgrounds and approaches to the sport. Harrison is known for her judo, strength and ground control, while Nunes has built her reputation through powerful striking and experience against some of the sport’s top competitors. Their meeting will test Harrison against a former champion who has spent years competing at the highest level, while giving Nunes an opportunity to see how she performs after an extended absence.
The two met Thursday, Nov. 12, during the UFC 334 news conference at Madison Square Garden. Reporters and fans waiting for an opportunity to hear from the fighters ahead of Saturday’s fight are waiting for any glimpse into what the fighters expect out of their upcoming performances.
Harrison spoke confidently about the upcoming fight, telling Nunes, “You think you’re the best? I think I’m the best. On Saturday night, we’ll find out.” The exchange added to the attention surrounding a matchup that had already been delayed once.
Nunes made it clear she does not take Harrison’s comments lightly. She stood her ground, showing no fear or hesitation and making it known that she is ready to face Harrison head-on, regardless of the challenge or pressure surrounding the fight.
For Nunes, Saturday represents a return to the competition she stepped away from more than three years ago. For Harrison, it is an opportunity to defend her title against a fighter whose accomplishments have made her one of the most recognized names in women’s MMA.
Social media however has different opinions about who will leave with the championship. Some favor Harrison’s for her obvious strength and power to hold her opponent to the ground, while others believe Nunes’ experience and striking power could make the difference. Both fighters enter the contest with established careers and plenty at stake.
The matchup is scheduled for five five-minute rounds and will serve as the co-main event of UFC 334. With the main headlined by Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit.
After years of competing in different stages of their careers, Harrison and Nunes will finally meet. Nunes helped establish a standard for the future of champions, while Harrison quickly made her own mark since joining the UFC. Their meeting brings together two powerhouse forces of talent.
Saturday’s fight will give both women the opportunity to claim it all and win big. This will determine the significance of who leaves New York with the bantamweight championship and bragging rights for life.
