DALLAS – The woman considered the best of all time has a chance to become a two-division champion again Saturday.
Amanda Nunes (21-5 MMA, 14-2 UFC) lost her UFC women’s bantamweight title to Julianna Peña (11-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC) this past December at UFC 269. At UFC 277, she gets her rematch and a chance to add the 135-pound title back to her mantel to go with her featherweight belt. Nunes is nearly a 3-1 favorite in the rematch at Tipico Sportsbook.
Thursday, Nunes and Peña faced off verbally at the UFC 277 pre-fight news conference in Dallas. Then they faced off physically with a staredown ahead of Friday’s weigh-ins and Saturday’s main event.
UFC 277 takes place Saturday at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ABC/ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.
Check out all the quotes from Nunes at the UFC 277 press conference below, as well as a video replay of the event.
UFC 277 pre-fight press conference replay
Nunes on Peña's claims she'll stand toe to toe
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 11: Julianna Pena (R) punches Amanda Nunes of Brazil in their women’s bantamweight title fight during the UFC 269 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 11, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
“She can say whatever she wants. We’re here, and Saturday I’m going to be 100 percent, and I’m going to beat her. Saturday is my opportunity to get my belt back. I’m going to be the double champion again Saturday.”
Nunes on Peña's accusations of spying on training during "TUF"
“One time, I walked in and saw her training – yeah. What’s the problem in that? One time. I walked in, saw, and OK – went to my locker room. It was an accident.”
Nunes on why she opted out of retirement following UFC 269 loss
Dec 11, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Amanda Nunes reacts following her loss by submission against Julianna Pena during UFC 269 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
“Honestly, how I lost, I couldn’t take it. I went back home and I had to do this again. I made all the adjustments and changes that I was supposed to do. I jumped right back into camp. I want the belt back, and this is what I love to do. This is the feeling that I like and cannot retire like that. That was my main reason. I’ve got to fight. I’ve got to be there 100 percent and do my best.”
Nunes on changes she's made ahead of rematch
Dec 11, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Julianna Pena applies a hold against Amanda Nunes during UFC 269 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
“Saturday, I just have to be precise with my shots. Of course, everyone makes mistakes, and I made one. But I adjusted and got everything tight and sharp. Saturday, I will show you guys I deserve my title back.”
Nunes' prediction for UFC 277
“I will be there, ready to be even better than her. She’s really going to face a lioness. She didn’t get to see last time, so I’m ready. There’s only one lioness in the jungle, and that’s me.”