Amanda Nunes vows to put Julianna Pena down if she charges at her.
Two-division UFC champion Nunes (22-5 MMA, 15-2 UFC) is set to defend her bantamweight title against Peña (11-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) in a trilogy bout which headlines UFC 289 on June 10 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.
Peña dethroned Nunes at UFC 269 by second-round submission in December 2021, but Nunes was able to score four knockdowns over Peña to win their rematch by lopsided decision at UFC 277 in July. Peña admitted that Nunes’ southpaw stance threw her off, and “The Lioness” warns her of the same fate if she attacks her recklessly.
“If you rush on me Julianna, I’m gonna put your ass down,” Nunes told TSN. “I’m telling you: Rush on me and I’m gonna put your ass down. My timing is on point to take you down anytime I want.”
Peña fired back, reminding Nunes of the changes she had to make in both the lead-up and the fight itself after she was finished in their first fight. Nunes parted ways with American Top Team and opened up her own gym to prep for their rematch.
“I turned the greatest striker of all time into a Holly Holm counter-punching southpaw,” Peña responded.
Peña questioned Nunes’ motivation and longevity in the sport if she were to lose her title again, but Nunes assured that she won’t be walking away after UFC 289.
“I’ve been in this sport for so long, I did everything that I want,” Nunes said. “I accomplish everything, baby. This fight’s not gonna be my retirement fight.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 289.
