Amanda Nunes celebrates after defeating Miesha Tate in their women’s bantamweight championship mixed martial arts bout at UFC 200 in Las Vegas. Ronda Rousey will return to the UFC on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas, fighting Nunes for the bantamweight title. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
Despite winning the UFC Women’s Bantamweight title against Miesha Tate at UFC 200 in July, Amanda Nunes (13–4) remains an unknown commodity for most casual fans.
The proud Brazilian is matched up against the returning Ronda Rousey (12-1) for her first title defense, and Nunes is not oblivious to her opponent’s undeniable star power capable of doing wonders for her budding career.
MMA: Rousey to return to UFC in December
“My message to her is to say thank you, this fight’s going to change my life, my career and I hope she’s ready,” Nunes told TMZ Sports on Thursday (Friday in Manila). “I know she’s a very tough opponent, but I’m the best in the world.”
Rousey’s highly anticipated comeback has sent shockwaves to the MMA world, with some female contenders making objections to the fight. Chris Cyborg and Julianna Pena both pointed out that the former pound-for-pound great is coming off a real knockout loss in her last bout.
Nunes, however, feels Rousey is still the most viable contender after being able to defend her title six times, prior to losing to Holly Holm last year.
“She only has one loss and all the UFC champions had rematches right away. I think Ronda Rousey, I think everybody wants to see (this fight) and Ronda Rousey deserves this fight again,” Nunes said.
“I think it’s wrong. Because she was the dominant athlete. I think she really deserves that,” the 28-year-old champion added.
Despite being grateful for extra zeroes that’s coming to her bank account, “The Lioness” warned Rousey that she’ll be in for a long night once the octagon door closes.
“I know how I’m going to beat Ronda Rousey. I’ve been training for Ronda Rousey since my first fight in the UFC,” Nunes said. “I don’t know if you know, but I come from the same background as Ronda Rousey. I’ve been training judo my whole career since I started jiu-jitsu. I understand everything Ronda Rousey’s going to bring that day. I don’t think she’s going to be able to deal with my striking.”
“She’s going to be very surprised when I touch her, when I connect with my punches,” she added.
The crowd may not be with her come fight time, but Nunes remains as confident as ever on her chances of victory.
“I’m stronger than ever. I’m 100 percent that I’m going to beat Ronda Rousey—I’m 200-percent.” Khristian Ibarrola