Amanda Nunes has retired after defending her world bantamweight belt against Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in Vancouver.
The Brazilian, who also held the featherweight title, won on a unanimous points decision at Rogers Arena and after placing her belts on the canvas, announced she was calling time on her career.
She said in her octagon interview: “Double champion forever, today is a perfect night to retire.
The greatest of all time says goodbye 🏆🦁🏆@Amanda_Leoa announces her retirement after defending her bantamweight title at #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/3OXqGymhzM
— UFC (@ufc) June 11, 2023
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“My mum has been watching me do this for so long, she cannot take it anymore. So I decided, I am still young to enjoy everything I make.
“I never worked out in my mind that I would become a champion and when I did it was unbelievable.”
Nunes, 35, dominated the octagon over a lengthy career, and is the first woman to become a champion in two divisions. She is the only fighter to defend two titles while holding them both.
The greatest of all time!
Congratulations on an incredible career @Amanda_Leoa 👏 #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/dTNwgtcOOV— UFC (@ufc) June 11, 2023
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Saturday’s bout was supposed to be against Julianna Pena but the former champion withdrew due to injury.
Nunes’ victory over Aldana means she walks away with a 23-5 record and is widely regarded as the greatest ever women’s mixed martial artist.
