The Lioness Vs. The Olympian: Why Kayla Harrison Vs. Amanda Nunes Is The Biggest Fight Of Late 2025

The most anticipated women's MMA superfight in history is finally on the horizon, scheduled to rock the combat sports world in late 2025. The clash between the newly crowned UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion, Kayla Harrison, and the legendary two-division queen, Amanda "The Lioness" Nunes, has transitioned from a dream matchup to a confirmed reality, following Nunes' dramatic return from retirement in June of this year. The stakes are astronomical: Harrison’s championship reign faces its ultimate test against the consensus greatest female fighter of all time, making this a pivotal moment for the sport.

As of December 15, 2025, all signs point to a blockbuster event, potentially headlining a major UFC pay-per-view card. This fight is not just for the belt; it is a battle for the undisputed title of the greatest female mixed martial artist in the world. The contrasting styles—Harrison's Olympic-level judo and relentless grappling versus Nunes' devastating knockout power and championship experience—guarantee a clash of titans that fans have been waiting years to see.

Complete Fighter Profile: Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes

To truly appreciate the magnitude of this superfight, one must look at the unparalleled careers of both athletes. Kayla Harrison’s transition from a two-time Olympic Judo Gold Medalist to an undefeated MMA force is historic, while Amanda Nunes' reign as a simultaneous two-division UFC champion cemented her legacy as "The Lioness."

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Kayla Harrison: The Olympian's Rise

• Full Name: Kayla Jean Harrison
• Born: July 2, 1990 (Age 35 as of Dec 2025)
• Birthplace: Middletown, Ohio, USA
• Height: 5'8" (172.72 cm)
• Weight Class: Women's Bantamweight (135 lbs)
• Association: American Top Team (ATT)
• Pro MMA Record (Approx.): 19-1-0
• Key Achievements: Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Judo (2012, 2016), Two-time PFL Lightweight Champion, Current UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion (defeated Julianna Peña at UFC 316)
• Finishing Rate: 74% (6 TKO/KOs, 8 Submissions)

Amanda Nunes: The Lioness's Legacy

• Full Name: Amanda Lourenço Nunes
• Born: May 30, 1988 (Age 37 as of Dec 2025)
• Birthplace: Pojuca, Bahia, Brazil
• Fighting Out Of: Miami, Florida, USA
• Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
• Weight Class: Women's Bantamweight (135 lbs) and Featherweight (145 lbs)
• Pro MMA Record (Approx.): 23-5-0
• Key Achievements: Former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion, Former UFC Women's Featherweight Champion, Only fighter to hold two UFC belts simultaneously
• Finishing Rate: 73.9%

The Road to the Superfight: Harrison's Championship Victory and Nunes' Comeback

The possibility of a Harrison vs. Nunes fight was long complicated by promotional barriers, with Harrison dominating the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Nunes ruling the UFC. That changed dramatically in 2024 and 2025 with a series of career-defining moves.

Kayla Harrison made her highly anticipated move to the UFC and immediately targeted the bantamweight division, a class she had struggled to consistently make during her PFL career. Her debut was a championship opportunity against former titleholder Julianna Peña at UFC 316 in June 2025. In a stunning performance that showcased her elite grappling skills, Harrison defeated Peña via a second-round submission (Kimura lock), claiming the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship in only her first UFC bout. This victory immediately legitimized her presence in the UFC and set the stage for the ultimate showdown.

The day Harrison won the title, the conversation shifted from "if" to "when" regarding a fight with Amanda Nunes. Nunes, who had retired in 2023 after a dominant victory over Irene Aldana, had hinted at a comeback if the circumstances were right. The sight of her former American Top Team (ATT) teammate, Harrison, holding the bantamweight belt proved to be the necessary catalyst. In June 2025, Nunes officially announced her return from retirement and re-entered the UFC's anti-doping program, explicitly stating her intention to challenge Harrison for the title. The narrative of the returning legend challenging the new champion is a perfect storm for a pay-per-view spectacle.

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Potential Fight Date and Venue Rumors for Late 2025

While the fight is confirmed to be in the works, the official date remains a hot topic of speculation, fueling intense fan curiosity and media coverage. Multiple sources have pointed toward a major year-end or early-year blockbuster event.

• Target Window: Late 2025 or Early 2026. The end of the year has historically been a prime spot for the UFC’s biggest cards.
• Specific Rumors: One highly publicized rumor placed the fight as the main event for a UFC live event on Paramount+ on December 10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Another report suggested a possible date at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. Given the current timeline, an official announcement is expected before the end of the year.
• The Title at Stake: The bout will be for the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship, which Harrison currently holds. This is the weight class where Nunes achieved her greatest fame and where she has the most experience.

The fight carries immense topical authority for the UFC. It pits the most dominant female fighter in PFL history against the most dominant female fighter in UFC history. The winner will undoubtedly be considered the greatest of all time in women's MMA, transcending the bantamweight division.

The Tactical Breakdown: Grappling vs. Striking Power

The stylistic matchup between Harrison and Nunes is what makes this fight so compelling. It's a classic grappler vs. striker contest, but with elite-level talent on both sides.

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Kayla Harrison's Advantage: The Judo-Based Grappling

Harrison's greatest weapon is her Olympic-caliber judo and overwhelming top control. She excels at closing the distance, securing powerful takedowns, and smothering opponents with ground-and-pound or submissions, as she demonstrated against Peña with the Kimura lock. Her ability to cut weight to 135 lbs while maintaining her strength makes her a physically imposing presence in the bantamweight division. Her game plan will rely on avoiding Nunes' initial striking barrage and forcing the fight to the mat where "The Lioness" is least comfortable.

Amanda Nunes' Advantage: The Devastating Knockout Power

Amanda Nunes earned the nickname "The Lioness" through her ferocious striking. She holds knockout wins over legends like Cris Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, and Holly Holm. Her striking is clean, powerful, and she possesses a rare ability to finish opponents in the first round. Furthermore, while her striking is her primary weapon, Nunes is a legitimate black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and has excellent takedown defense and submission defense, making her a dangerous, well-rounded threat. Her path to victory involves keeping the fight standing and connecting with her powerful right hand or leg kicks.

The superfight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes is more than just a title defense; it is a legacy-defining event. With Nunes' return and Harrison's championship win at UFC 316, the stars have finally aligned for the ultimate clash of champions in the UFC bantamweight division.