Amanda Nunes Reveals Why Burnout Forced Her UFC Retirement
Former two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes has revealed that mental exhaustion played a major role in her retirement in 2023. The Brazilian, widely regarded as one of the greatest female MMA fighters of all time, said she needed time away after years of competing and defending titles in two divisions without a prolonged break. Nunes explained that she feared continuing to fight while unhappy could lead to defeat and damage her relationship with the sport she loved.
Nunes retired immediately after defeating Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023, leaving her championship belts in the Octagon. Beyond burnout, she wanted to spend more time with her family and recover from lingering nerve damage and the physical demands of her career. She said the break helped her reset mentally and physically, although staying away from competition eventually became boring.
The 38-year-old is now preparing to return against former teammate Kayla Harrison for the UFC women’s bantamweight title at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The fight was initially scheduled for UFC 324 but was postponed after Harrison suffered a neck injury that required surgery. Nunes chose to wait for the champion rather than pursue an interim title, believing she is returning with renewed motivation and a clearer mind.
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