Nunes Booked to Face Harrison at UFC 334
Once a rumor, Amanda Nunes’ return is now scheduled: she is set to challenge Kayla Harrison for the bantamweight title in New York on Nov. 14, 2026. Nunes retired in 2023.
What Pennington Said in 2024
Comeback speculation grew in October 2024 after Nunes’ social media post prompted promotion CEO Dana White to say she appeared interested in fighting again. Pennington had just lost the bantamweight title to Julianna Peña at the Oct. 5, 2024 event. In a later interview, Pennington said she believed she deserved a rematch and criticized Peña’s call for another fight with Nunes, describing her as chasing Nunes’ “ghost.” Her comments reflected the title dispute and Peña’s callout; they were not confirmation that Nunes would return.
How the Title Picture Changed
Pennington won the vacant championship with a unanimous-decision victory over Mayra Bueno Silva in Toronto in January 2024. Peña reclaimed the belt by split decision on Oct. 5, 2024. Kayla Harrison also fought on that card, beating Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision. Harrison later submitted Peña in Newark on June 7, 2025, to become champion.
Nunes’ Return Is Booked
The matchup discussed as a possibility in 2024 became official in November 2025, when the promotion announced Harrison would defend her title against Nunes in January 2026. Harrison then withdrew for neck surgery, and officials postponed the fight. The promotion now lists the title bout for Madison Square Garden in New York on Nov. 14, 2026. That makes the comeback a scheduled contest, though the result is still in the future.
Pennington’s 2024 reaction belongs to that earlier moment: she wanted another title opportunity after a close loss, while Nunes’ return was only being discussed. Since then, Harrison has won the belt and officials have booked Nunes against her. The division’s next chapter now hinges on whether the scheduled fight goes ahead.
Sources:
Sports Illustrated: Pennington on Peña, Nunes and wanting a rematch
MMA Junkie: Dana White reacts to Nunes’ 2024 comeback tease
Official event recap: Pennington wins vacant title
Official event preview: Pennington’s first title defense
Official results: Harrison captures the bantamweight championship
Fight booking: Harrison–Nunes planned for January 2026
Event Harrison injury postpones the matchup
Current bout listing: Nunes challenges Harrison in New York
