In exciting news for mixed martial arts (MMA) fans, Amanda Nunes, the former bantamweight queen, has confirmed her eagerly anticipated return to the Octagon. She has expressed her desire to fight the new UFC bantamweight champion, Kayla Harrison, at UFC 316, setting the stage for a thrilling matchup that has MMA enthusiasts buzzing. Nunes boldly declared, “I see you, Amanda. Come on up. This is the next fight.” This statement not only highlights her readiness but emphasizes the intensity of competition in the bantamweight division.
Nunes further elaborated on her motivation, stating, “This is the greatest fighter of all time. For a long time, I’ve said I want what she has. I have a belt, she has a legacy, let’s put it all on the line.” Her confidence and determination are palpable, as she prepares to reclaim her position at the top after a strong career that includes victories over numerous top-tier opponents. When asked whether the match would indeed take place, she affirmed, “Yes, definitely. We knew this was going to happen. Now, we’re going to do it. I’m more than happy to come back and fight you.”
Amanda Nunes last stepped into the Octagon in 2023, where she successfully defended her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana at UFC 289, solidifying her reputation as one of the sport’s elite fighters. With her record and legacy firmly established, this upcoming fight with Harrison presents Nunes with an opportunity not just to reclaim a title but to add another remarkable chapter to her already illustrious career.
In another significant bout, Merab Dvalishvili showcased his skills and resilience by defeating Sean O’Malley in a rematch during the main event of UFC 316. The 34-year-old bantamweight champion celebrated his superb victory in front of a packed crowd, elevating his status in the UFC. Dvalishvili spoke passionately about his preparation for the fight, stating, “I was training, I eat healthily, and I’m on top of the world. I’m world champion.” His reflections extend beyond personal pride, as he considers the role of inspiration he can provide to younger generations aspiring to succeed in combat sports.
Dvalishvili also revealed that his training camp heavily focused on physical submissions, an area he meticulously honed with his coach. Despite the challenges faced during training, he remained dedicated, emphasizing the importance of that preparation. “Yes, my coach would keep begging me, submissions, submissions, but I never complained. Because when you have big gloves, usually, you have padded gloves in training, in sparring,” he explained. This preparation culminated in a successful fight night, where he submitted O’Malley, demonstrating that hard work and persistence pay off in the high-stakes world of the UFC.
In an interesting twist during the fight, Dvalishvili expressed that he believed the opportunity to submit O’Malley was slipping away after a failed first attempt. However, when he managed to secure the submission on the second try, his confidence surged. “I pretty much knew I would get him because it’s pretty hard to survive this submission,” he noted. This victory positions Dvalishvili for a highly anticipated matchup with Cory Sandhagen, currently ranked number four in the bantamweight division. The champion has expressed admiration for Sandhagen, calling him deserving and respectful while indicating his enthusiasm for the forthcoming clash.
As the UFC continues to deliver premier events, fans looking for the latest updates and fight schedules can turn to TNT Sports. They provide comprehensive live coverage of every UFC card from Las Vegas and other locations. Viewers can access confirmed events via TNT Sports and re-watch them on their streaming service, discovery+. Upcoming featured bouts include UFC Fight Night events like Kamaru Usman versus Joaquin Buckley on June 15, 2025, and Jamahal Hill against Khalil Rountree Jr. on June 21, 2025, creating exciting anticipation for MMA fans worldwide.