The women’s bantamweight title fight was originally scheduled for UFC 265, but had to be delayed due to a positive COVID test for the champ.
Amanda Nunes may not have been the first ‘double champ’ in UFC history, but she’s all alone when it comes to defending titles. Since picking up the UFC featherweight belt back in 2018, Nunes has stepped into the Octagon four times with gold on the line. Twice down at 135, and twice more up at 145.
While her last two defenses came in the heavier weight class, Nunes is back dow to bantamweight once more with a matchup against challenger Julianna Pena. The bout was first set to take place back on August 7th at UFC 265, unfortunately a positive COVID test for the ‘Lioness’ delayed the bout.
Fortunately, however, it appears the UFC has a new date already in mind. MMA Fighting reports that the promotion now plans to put Nunes and Pena in the cage together on December 11th at UFC 269.
Pena will enter the bout off of just one win, a submission victory over Sara McMann back in January, at UFC 257. That win followed Pena’s lone 2020 bout, a submission loss to former featherweight queen Germaine De Randamie. For Nunes, she enters this fight having not lost since a 2014 TKO at the hands of Cat Zingano. That marks twelve bouts over seven years for the ATT-trained Brazilian.
A location for the PPV card has yet to be announced. The event is also expected to play host to former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt’s flyweight debut against Kai Kara-France.