UFC 250: Amanda Nunes Schools Felicia Spencer, Makes History

Coming into UFC 250, there was a thought that Felicia Spencer could get the job done against Amanda Nunes. The 29-year-old was confident in her “legend killer” ability, and convinced others she was ready. Spencer was unable to follow through with Queens’ “Don’t Stop Me Know” blaring through the UFC’s APEX Center, however, as Nunes ran through her for the unanimous decision victory.

“I’m not surprised. I know she’s very tough,” Nunes stated following the bout. “I said in all my interviews this week, I know what she’s capable of. I know she’s tough and I have to be sharp. If I have to go five rounds, I have to be dominant, sharp as a cactus.”

Championship heart 💛 #UFC250 pic.twitter.com/l5mG38cwIP

— UFC (@ufc) June 7, 2020

Nunes (20-4), who was defending her UFC Featherweight Title for the first time since beating Cris Cyborg for it in 2018, did not look tired at all in only her second featherweight bout since 2011. Using her signature kick to start the fight, Nunes landed a big right early that cut the side of Spencer’s (8-2) head. She would then kick the legs of Spencer, minimizing whatever strategy she may have had. Nunes would then take control of the body before the round ended.

From there, it felt as if “The Lioness” was just playing with her food.

Spencer’s head was opened up even further following elbow shots by Nunes. The champion would hit one-two combos and vicious rights. Spencer tried going to the ground, but Nunes stopped her, one of seven times in which she did so. With no crowd, you could hear the rights come crashing down onto the body and face of Spencer.

Rounds three and four were more of the same, as Nunes opened up with a flurry of shots. Spencer’s mouthguard came out and that was the only true break she had in the five-round affair. Spencer went for a kick but Nunes just grabbed it and pushed her down. Further kicks saw Spencer’s legs look almost unusable.

Cartoon level power! 👊

🏆🏆 @Amanda_Leoa punches the mouthpiece out of Spencer's mouth. #UFC250 pic.twitter.com/k0N4wN56Nw

— UFC (@ufc) June 7, 2020

For her part, Spencer’s stayed in the fight but was doing nothing of value. Nunes hit a shot that gave Spencer a huge hematoma, while also just pushing her around. Despite the fact that it was a one-sided affair, the corner of Spencer, the doctors, and the referee kept the fight going. Nunes ended up getting the 50-44, 50-44, 50-45 win by the judges.

In the end, Nunes landed 120 significant strikes, while Spencer only landed 36. Rounds one and two saw Nunes land 35 shots while Spencer only had six.

Nunes has now won eleven fights in a row, adding Spencer on her mantle with the likes of Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, Cris Cyborg, and Holly Holm. The soon-to-be mother has the most wins in UFC women’s history with 13. She also became the first UFC fighter to defend two belts (UFC Featherweight and Bantamweight) while also still holding onto them.

Spencer is now 2-2 in the UFC, losing crucial bouts to Nunes and Cyborg.

UFC 250 Main Card (ESPN + PPV, 10 p.m. ET)

Amanda Nunes (c) def. Felicia Spencer via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-45) – UFC Featherweight Title

Cody Garbrandt def. Raphael Assuncao via KO (4:59 into round two)

Aljamain Sterling def. Cory Sandhagen via rear-naked choke (1:28 into round one)

Neil Magny def. Anthony Rocco Martin via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Sean O’Malley def. Eddie Wineland via KO (1:54 into round one)

UFC 250 Prelims (ESPN+, ESPN, 8 p.m. ET)

Alex Caceres def. Chase Hooper via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Ian Heinisch def. Gerald Meerschaert via TKO (1:14 into round one)

Cody Stamann def. Brian Kelleher via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Maki Pitolo def. Charles Byrd via TKO (1:10 into round two)

UFC Fight Pass Prelims (ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass, 6 p.m. ET)

Alex Perez def. Jussier Formiga via TKO – Leg Kick (4:06 into round one)

Devin Clark def. Alonzo Menifield via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Herbert Burns def. Evan Dunham via rear-naked choke (1:20 into round one)