Amanda Nunes on retiring: ‘My body needs this’

Amanda Nunes: “My legs have nerve damage from over the years”

Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.

Entering UFC 289 in June, Amanda Nunes was uncertain about her future in the sport.

For Nunes, 35, she had endured an exhausting fight camp. His legs were sore, and suddenly, minor issues with her shoulders and knees were becoming major ones. So when Nunes finally made it to fight night, and she was pummeling Irene Aldana in the main event, that is when an epiphany occurred.

Her only choice was to retire.

“I cannot kick as much anymore,” says Nunes. “My legs have nerve damage from over the years. So things are starting to get harder for me. My shoulders need rest, my knees. Even my teeth need work after getting hit in the mouth so many times.

“I don’t see myself back in the cage any time soon. I am looking forward to a break. My body needs this.”

After punishing Aldana for five rounds, Nunes climbed outside the cage. She wanted a moment with Dana White to inform him that she was retiring.

“I wanted Dana to know first,” says Nunes (23-5). “That was my best opportunity to tell him. I wasn’t sure until then. I needed to feel it in the moment. So as soon as the fight was over, I told him, ‘I’m done.’”

Naturally, a retired fighter is asked if there is a desire to return. Nunes was non-committal to the idea that her fighting days are entirely over.

“I need to take care of my body and give it a break,” says Nunes. “We’ll see what happens in the future.”

While her body recuperates, Nunes is remaining active. She is a brand ambassador for Celsius, a performance energy drink.

“The only way I’m part of something is if I love it,” says Nunes. “Celsius is the best out there, and I want to be surrounded by the best. Before and after training, I drink it. Celsius is with me all the time.

“My refrigerator is full of Celsius. They give me all the support I need, and I love the product.”

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A post shared by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Amanda Nunes🦁 (@amanda_leoa)

With a Celsius beverage in front of her, Nunes also discussed her rivalry with Julianna Peña. They were scheduled to fight at UFC 289, but a fractured rib prevented Peña from competing.

“Julianna seemed to know I was retiring,” says Nunes. “Even before I said anything, she was supposedly talking to someone on my team. She even knew about my baby before I announced that. I don’t know why she pretended to be so surprised.”

Peña’s injury allowed Aldana to step into the title bout. She explained the decision to retire would not have changed if Peña was her opponent.

“That week, the idea of retiring slowly crept up on me,” says Nunes. “Fight week is intense. I had so much to do. It was very tiring.

“Every interview, I was asked, ‘When are you going to retire?’ I definitely felt exhausted. I needed a break. The weight cut, everything. I never thought I would have the strength to retire, but I need this break. It was the right moment to go.”

Nunes ended her career as a two-division champion, holding both the women’s bantamweight and featherweight belts. Her retirement marks the end of the UFC’s women’s featherweight division. Nunes was only one of three champions in division history. Her last title defense was over two years ago, but Nunes believes there could be more competition for the belt if it remains active.

“I’m happy to be able to keep my belt, but I hope they keep the division,” says Nunes. “It’s up to the UFC.”

For now, Nunes’ final memory in the Octagon is celebrating with her wife and three-year-old daughter.

“I wanted her part of my last win,” says Nunes. “She’s getting so big. She speaks Portuguese, she speaks English. I wanted that memory to show her when she grows.”

Another setback for Tony Ferguson suffered at UFC 291

Tony Ferguson lost this past Saturday night to Bobby Green at UFC 291.

The losing streak now climbs to six for Ferguson, a preposterous thought for someone who dominated during a 12-fight win streak. But Ferguson (25-9) is simply no longer the same fighter. While he still carries power in his strikes, he does not possess the speed or elusiveness he once did.

Courtesy Zuffa

Ferguson’s loss to Green followed the same pattern of his losses. He started strong, putting forth a competitive first round. That changed in the second, and then he was treated like a punching bag by Green by the third before the submission loss. The UFC commentary team did their best to cover for Ferguson, who is a legend of the sport, but he is not doing himself any favors with these performances.

A day after the loss, Ferguson posted on Instagram and explained that an eye poke from Green significantly impaired his vision.

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A post shared by @TonyFergusonxt (@tonyfergusonxt)

The word “retirement” did not appear in that post, and it certainly appears Ferguson has aspirations to break this horrid losing streak.

Only a few months away from turning 40, Ferguson’s glory is behind him. Does he deserve another UFC fight? Due to who he is, the answer is probably yes–and his name still sells for the UFC. But it is a shame to see one of the UFC’s greats end his career in the Octagon this way.

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.