Nunes Rejected Interim Gold
Amanda Nunes remained focused on the undisputed bantamweight championship after her planned January 24, 2026, comeback at UFC 324 was postponed. Kayla Harrison’s injury removed their title fight from the Las Vegas card, leaving Nunes waiting for a new date rather than accepting an interim alternative.
A completed training camp ended without the anticipated fight
Nunes said the news was disappointing because she felt prepared physically and mentally. Her statement followed Harrison’s withdrawal for neck surgery, which prevented the champion from defending her belt.
The UFC’s official update confirmed the postponement and promoted Sean O’Malley against Song Yadong into the co-main-event position. No replacement championship contest involving Nunes took place at UFC 324.
The former champion drew a clear line around her comeback
Nunes rejected suggestions that she should face another contender for an interim title. She said her interest was the full championship, whether against Harrison or another opponent if circumstances changed.
Her position reflected the purpose of ending her retirement: regaining the belt she had relinquished after defeating Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023.
Training continued while the promotion considered the next step
Nunes emphasized that she remained motivated and strong, and continued training despite the delay. She also traveled to Las Vegas for the event after losing her scheduled assignment.
Dana White indicated that the UFC intended to rebook the Harrison matchup once the champion recovered. At the time of Nunes’s January response, however, no specific replacement date had been confirmed.
Sources
- UFC: official postponement and replacement co-main event
- MMA Fighting: Nunes’s public response
- Sherdog: retirement context and undisputed-title position
