Kayla Harrison 'would love for Amanda Nunes to come back'

The undisputed women’s GOAT, Amanda Nunes, retired from fighting following her UFC 289 win over Irene Aldana in June 2023.  Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Professional Fighters League (PFL) standout Kayla Harrison made her octagon debut in April and wished Nunes hadn’t retired when she did.  

After Harrison’s promotional debut win, Nunes criticized Harrison for not mentioning her name after defeating Holly Holm at UFC 300.  Harrison did not call out Nunes because Nunes was retired.  

“I didn’t call Amanda out because Amanda’s retired, you know?” Harrison said in an interview with Grind City Media. “I didn’t want to be that girl that’s like calling out old people, retired people, like people who are fat and happy sitting on the couch. I’m happy for her. I think also she struggles to not be in the limelight still.”

Harrison and Nunes both used to train at American Top Team.  Harrison explained that she doesn’t have ‘beef’ with Nunes but didn’t like comments Nunes made after departing ATT.  

I have no beef with Amanda. Listen, the only problem I have with Amanda is that she talks sh*t about the greatest team in the world. Personally, I think she’s great – but don’t talk sh*t about my team,” Harrison said.  

“I would love for her to come back,” Harrison continued. “That is literally the dream scenario for Kayla Harrison and her career. When she retired, I was like, ‘What are you doing? Not yet, wait!’ I’m glad she made the video, but now she’s going to be hearing from me. I have a couple of steps to take, and then she’s going to be hearing from me.”

Harrison faces second-ranked Ketlen Vieira on Oct. 5 at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City.  Bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington takes on former titleholder Julianna Peña on the same fight card.