Amanda Nunes: "Whoever Gets the Belt Now Is Going to Be Just Pretending to Have It"
Amanda Nunes retired on top with her legacy intact. "The Lioness" completely shut out Irene Aldana at UFC 289 for a unanimous decision victory and retired in her post-fight speech.
In Nunes' words, any fighter that touches her belts in the future will just be "pretending" to hold them. Nunes admitted this take during the UFC 289 post-fight presser:
"I'm going to have my belts at home with me, [the new one] is going to be the fake one. It's going to be fake forever, [whoever] gets the belt now is going to be just pretending to have it. So, yeah I'm gone."
Nunes relinquished two UFC championship belts, her bantamweight title which she defended on the night, and her featherweight title which she last defended in 2021 against Megan Anderson.
Amanda Nunes dominates Megan Anderson at UFC 259
Nunes won the bantamweight belt in 2016 and held it until the first Julianna Pena fight in 2021, reclaiming it in 2022. Her featherweight title was won in 2018 against Cris Cyborg, and she never lost it. It's safe to say Nunes was the most dominant champion in UFC WMMA history.
Irene Aldana Releases Statement Following Amanda Nunes UFC 289 Defeat
Irene Aldana released a statement on her Instagram to address her fans after losing to Nunes at UFC 289:
"It was an honor to face Amanda Nunes - Incredible athlete and fighter (GOAT)
"I'm sorry to have failed my coaches and all of you, I assure you that this does not stay like this... it was a bad night. But the goal is still clear and the objective is still that 4th belt... I promised you and I'm going to fulfil it... whatever the cost.
"I have already identified this blockage, I know what I have to do and this will NOT happen again... I give you my word! I'll be back for all those people who believe in me. If I have learned anything from this sport, it is to always get up.
"For now I am going to return to the gym as soon as possible and work very hard to earn that second chance.
"Always thanks for everyone for so much support and love... and mainly thanks to my coaches and all my team for being at the foot of the canyon in good times an bad. The promise is especially for you."
Nunes replied in a comment, "Gracias girl. Rest up and get back in the game. Thank you for sharing the cage with me."
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