Amanda Nunes hadn’t anticipated a third bout against Julianna Pena, yet she’s ready to assert complete control.
Their trilogy fight is set to headline UFC 289 on June 10th, 2023. And both fighters arrive on the back end of an even rivalry following their first two fights.
During their first bout, Pena beat Nunes in a shock victory via submission in the second round.
The rematch was far more one-sided, as Nunes secured a unanimous decision victory with a dominant performance to regain her bantamweight title.
A trilogy title fight between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña will headline UFC 289 on June 10, the UFC announced. pic.twitter.com/CrOvGRknUQ
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 8, 2023
While a third fight will ultimately decide who has the bragging rights, Nunes confessed that facing Irene Aldana was her initial anticipation.
The situation did not unfold as predicted, nonetheless, she has backed herself to come out victorious.
In her comments to ESPN MMA, she said: “I’m here defending my belt against Julianna again and I don’t have any problem defending my belt against her… I did, I thought it was going to be [Irene Aldana].
“But, everything changes, and with Julianna, I’m okay with it too. No matter what UFC shows me, the opponents, I’ll be happy to defend my belt. I’ve been in the gym every day… So it’s MMA, gotta be ready for everything.”
And yet, the UFC community has had a mixed reaction to the fight.
Social Media Reaction
Repeatedly the best v the best! 🔥
— Ricci Guarnaccio (@RicciGuarnaccio) April 9, 2023
We didn’t need this.
— Guildedthought (@Guildedthought) April 9, 2023
the trilogy no one asked for
— Ovin Vithanage (@OvinVithanage) April 8, 2023