The UFC landscape has forever changed as Amanda Nunes, hailed as the greatest women's fighter of all time, announced her retirement at UFC 289 in Vancouver, leaving behind an incredible legacy. After a masterful showcase of her power and precision against Irene Aldana, the Brazilian-born fighter took the gloves off, literally and metaphorically, signaling the end of an illustrious career.
The evening was primed for a thrilling battle as Nunes took on Aldana. Yet, the match quickly turned into a demonstration of Nunes' superior combat prowess. The two-division champion beat Aldana via a unanimous decision, each judge firmly in Nunes' corner with scores of 50-43, 50-44, and 50-44. It was a testament to Nunes' dominance, reaffirming her status as ESPN's top pound-for-pound women's fighter.
Originally slated to fight former champion Julianna Peña in a trilogy match, Nunes was instead paired with Aldana after her original opponent, Peña, sustained a rib injury. Despite the change in opponent, the outcome remains the same - Nunes won convincingly.
At 35, Nunes boasts an impressive 23-5 record, the most title fight wins among women in UFC history (11), and the most finishes (10). Nunes has consistently shattered barriers and made history, defeating all past holders of the UFC women's featherweight and bantamweight titles. Her opponents' list is a roll call of legends: Cris Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and two victories over Valentina Shevchenko.
