Dana White Speaks On Amanda Nunes’ Retirement

Dana White at UFC 289 Post-Fight Presser

"And Still forever! Double champion for life!"@Amanda_Leoa calls it a career at #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/6kdifaFGhw

— UFC (@ufc) June 11, 2023

White was asked for his immediate reaction to her performance and announcement of her retirement. “First of all, she looked incredible, amazing performance, completely shut her down.” White continued, “I think one of the guys were telling me tonight it was the most punches landed, she broke two records tonight, that was the most punches she’s ever landed and I think she passed Sara McMann tonight for takedowns so more records for her.” White then spoke on her retirement, “I’m not shocked that she retired, I’ve been saying for a while, she’s made a lot of money and her life is a lot different than it was ten years ago.”

White was then asked if he was happy to see Nunes retire on top or if he wanted her to stick around a bit longer. White replied, “Well, I gotta take it the same way I took  (Fertitta) retiring, no I wasn’t happy when Lorenzo retired either but he said ‘You know what this is what I want, be happy for me.’ So this must be what Amanda wants so then I’m definitely happy for her. Would I like to see her stick around and do some more, absolutely, I love the kid. She’s been incredible to work with, she’s such a good human being and a great champion, obviously the greatest female fighter of all time. I’d love to keep her around but if she’s ready to go then you’ve got to be happy for her.”

White was then asked what would happen with the women’s Featherweight division since its champion- Nunes had retired and the division is a bit thin and if he’d continue to keep the division going and keep looking for talent for the UFC women’s 145 lb division. “The answer is probably yes, I mean I don’t make these decisions right after a fight, you know she told me when she walked over to the side of the cage that she was retiring so yeah, I don’t know but it makes sense.”

Later on, White was asked if Julianna Pena would be a part of the title fight at Bantamweight for Nunes’ now vacant Bantamweight title, to which White responded “It would make a lot of sense.” Pena was set to challenge Nunes in a trilogy bout at 289 but had to withdraw due to an injury, Pena defeated Nunes via. second-round submission for the Bantamweight title at UFC 269 in December 2021 and then dropped the title back to Nunes in their rematch via. Unanimous Decision at UFC 277 in July 2022.

White was then asked if he had a moment behind the scenes or a favorite moment of Nunes, “Not really, it’s just every time I’ve ever dealt with her, she’s one of the greatest human beings ever. I like her very much, not only as a fighter but as a human being and a friend. Her and I have had a very good relationship her entire time here. I’m happy for her and I’m happy for her family, without sounding condescending, I’m very proud of her and what she’s accomplished.” White said. White was then asked if he thought Nunes’ retirement would stick. White answered, “Oh yeah, listen, everybody spins every f******  thing I say. I kind of felt that she’s made a very good living, she’s got a lot of money, she’s going to be good. I think you asked me, ‘Why, why now when she looks so good?’ She looked great and she came out and performed, but I think it’s all the things before you get here tonight that you have to go through, and that you have to do that has made her decide to retire in my opinion. But she’ll be out here in a minute and you can ask her, what the hell do I know?”

The Lioness' den, full of gold 🏆 #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/1ea5U6Eh2t

— UFC (@ufc) June 11, 2023

A reporter later asked White if he talked to Pena, White answered “No, I bet she’s really pissed off right now though, she’s probably running around Vancouver like a lunatic right now.” White was then told Pena had been tweeting a lot following Nunes’ retirement, White replied “I bet she has, I bet she has. No, I don’t want to run into Julianna (Pena)”

Amanda Nunes is amused by Julianna Peña's anger after being left out to dry on a trilogy fight. 😝#UFC289 | Full story: https://t.co/nVBGBcdjjG pic.twitter.com/2FGdMYMrYW

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 11, 2023

Nunes Sets More Records at UFC 289

Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC) has defeated elite-level competitors like Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, Valentina Shevchenko twice, Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm, and Julianna Pena. Following her UFC 289 win, Nunes became the fighter with the most wins in UFC women’s history.

Some of @Amanda_Leoa's biggest finishes 👊

We'll miss seeing the Lioness in the Octagon! #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/v2lmwBG9Zz

— UFC (@ufc) June 11, 2023

Other Notable accomplishments

• Most wins in UFC Women’s Title Fights (11)
• The first woman to become a double champ (Bantamweight & Featherweight) in the UFC
• Fourth longest reign of all time (1,981 days)