Amanda Nunes Defends Her Title and Announces Retirement at UFC 289

• UFC

In a whirlwind of power, precision, and a stunning announcement, last night's UFC 289 was marked by memorable events. The center of the storm was the highly anticipated women's bantamweight title fight, headlining UFC's finest Amanda Nunes against the fierce contender, Irene Aldana.

Pre-Fight Hurdles and Expectations

Originally, Nunes was slated to face Julianna Pena in a trilogy fight. However, due to an unfortunate injury Pena was dealing with, the match didn't materialize, and Aldana was given the opportunity to challenge the reigning champion.

Entering the fight, Nunes sought to defend her bantamweight title for the sixth time, this time against Aldana. The bookmakers predicted the odds in her favor, confident of the champion's odds against her challenger. But did the fight live up to these high-stakes expectations? Let's dive into the detail.

Round-by-Round: Amanda Nunes's Unyielding Dominance

From the opening bell, Nunes exhibited a cautious approach, while Aldana endeavored to press the attack, maintaining a high guard. The fight saw Nunes down Aldana effortlessly, choosing to keep the fight vertical rather than following her adversary to the mat.

This decision would set the tone for the remainder of the fight. The second round saw Nunes apply more pressure and a noticeably more aggressive approach. Aldana’s high guard didn’t seem to deter Nunes, who secured her takedowns with ease.

Nunes was again the clear victor of the round, maintaining her dominance with calculated and efficient strikes. As the third round opened, Nunes escalated her already daunting pace. With each blow landed, the champion’s superior class became more apparent.

For the first time, she followed Aldana to the ground, leading to a grueling sequence that left Aldana visibly fatigued and Nunes claiming yet another round.

Grand Finale: A Victory and A Goodbye

The final two rounds were a showcase of pure dominance by Nunes, highlighting her superior skills and strategic acumen.

Aldana was left unable to mount a significant offense. As the fifth round closed, it was clear that Nunes had successfully defended her bantamweight title. But as the crowd cheered her victory, Nunes had another surprise in store.

In an unexpected turn of events, the champion announced her retirement post-fight, deciding to hang up her gloves after an illustrious career. "Brazil, come get these belts! I'm leaving!" Nunes, a Brazilian, said. She exits with a 22-5 record.

While the night began with the promise of a thrilling fight, it ended with the closing of a remarkable chapter in the annals of the UFC. Nunes' reign was an era of sheer dominance, a legacy that will echo in the UFC for years to come.