Amanda Nunes is throwing her full support behind the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano bout, dismissing criticism from fellow fighter Kayla Harrison and calling the matchup a major win for women's MMA.
The former UFC dual-champion spoke with MMA Junkie in Miami, addressing the buzz around the May 16 fight at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Both Rousey and Carano are making long-awaited returns to the cage—Rousey hasn't fought since her 2016 TKO loss to Nunes, while Carano hasn't competed since 2009. The fight headlines MVP's first MMA card on Netflix, marking a historic moment for the sport.
Harrison recently labeled the fight "irrelevant," but Nunes sees it differently. "I don't see nobody losing here," Nunes said. "Ronda Rousey's back. She's going to fight Gina. This is great for women's MMA. This is great for all of us. I don't know what is going on with Kayla. I don't care. I just want a date, though."
That last comment hints at Nunes' own unfinished business. The 36-year-old was scheduled to come out of retirement to challenge bantamweight champion Harrison at UFC 324, but Harrison pulled out due to a neck injury requiring surgery. Now, Nunes is laser-focused on rescheduling that showdown.
"I want Kayla focusing on the day to give me a date," Nunes said. "I want to get in there and face her. Whatever she has outside with whatever, I don't care. I don't see anything horrible here. I think it's great. Ronda Rousey is coming back, she's going to fight, everybody is going to watch it, and me and Kayla, I hope, soon too. Women's MMA wins, and I'm happy about it."
For fans of women's MMA, this spring is shaping up to be a landmark season. Whether you're rooting for legends like Rousey and Carano or anticipating the next chapter in Nunes vs. Harrison, there's plenty to be excited about. And for those gearing up to watch—whether at home or ringside—having the right gear can make all the difference. From fight-week essentials to training apparel, now's the time to stock up and show your support for the warriors of the cage.