Kayla Harrison gave him a reason to return.
Former dual department
Ultimate Fighting Championship champion challenges Harrison for the bantamweight title UFC 334. Speaking to UFC News, Nunes said that years of defending the title in two weight classes without a long break has worn him down.
Amanda Nunes talks burnout, her daughters and the Kayla Harrison challenge ahead of her UFC return
“I was literally on the road for so long without stopping. Defend the belt, you know, one division, another, and I didn’t stop. I was a little bit burned out,” Nunes said.
Nunes said he ended up skipping the competition. She also wanted her younger daughter to see a part of her life that her older daughter had already experienced.
“At one point in my life, when I got the break I needed, everything got boring. I got bored at home,” Nunes said. “My younger self didn’t get a chance to see everything about my life. I feel like he deserved that too.”
The meeting with Harrison was another draw.
“Kayla is a very good opponent, a tough opponent. It’s just the way I like it. I like the challenge,” he added.
“I needed a reset. I needed a clear mind.”
Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) reflects on her time away from competing and what motivated her to return Kayla Harrison #UFC334 Fight by Fight preview at #Polymarket ➡️ https://t.co/qUSwbgJOoM https://t.co/madzjQVhtr— UFC News (@UFCNews)
November 10, 2026