UFC legend warns Amanda Nunes that returning straight into a title fight is a major risk

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UFC legend warns long layoff makes Nunes’ immediate title return a major risk

Amanda Nunes’ shock UFC comeback is official — and she’s diving straight into the deep end. The former two-division champion will face Kayla Harrison for the women’s bantamweight title at UFC 324, marking her first fight since retiring in 2023. But according to one former champion who has walked the comeback path himself, Nunes may already have damaged her chances.

Henry Cejudo, who understands the challenges of returning after time away, believes Nunes has skipped a step that was essential if she hoped to beat the undefeated Olympic phenom.

Cejudo says Nunes needed a tune-up fight before facing Harrison

Speaking on Jorge Masvidal’s Death Row MMA podcast before Dana White confirmed the fight, Cejudo argued that Nunes’ two-year absence creates a major disadvantage — one that only a warm-up fight could fix. Reflecting on his own return against Aljamain Sterling after a three-year layoff, Cejudo said the body “forgets” what a five-round war feels like.

“If Amanda is serious about beating Kayla, she’s gonna need a tune-up fight,” he warned. Cejudo highlighted Harrison’s cut to 135 lbs and her Olympic pedigree as factors that make the challenge even greater. “She’s a two-time Olympic champ… that s— is different,” he said.

Instead of easing back in, Nunes is heading straight into a championship bout against a former training partner who has dominated all three of her UFC fights so far.

Harrison eyes GOAT status — and knows she must beat Nunes to get there

Harrison has made no secret of her ambition: she wants to be the greatest women’s fighter of all time. She believes beating the current consensus GOAT is the necessary first step. Nunes is the only woman in UFC history to win and defend titles in two divisions, making her the benchmark for greatness.

But Harrison doesn’t plan to stop there. She also hopes to lure Valentina Shevchenko back to 135 pounds later in 2026, telling Bloody Elbow that victories over both Nunes and Shevchenko would cement her claim as the GWOAT — at least temporarily.

“When I beat Amanda and Shevchenko, that will make me the greatest… for a finite period of time,” she said. “Then the next Amanda, the next Valentina, the next Kayla will come and stand on my shoulders.”

Whether Nunes’ decision to skip a tune-up fight becomes the story of UFC 324 remains to be seen. But Cejudo is clear: returning straight into a title fight against Kayla Harrison is as dangerous as it gets.