Amanda Nunes stepped inside the UFC octagon for the final time today as she announced her retirement after defeating Irena Aldana at UFC 289. The Lioness dominated Aldana throughout the five rounds to successfully defend her bantamweight belt via unanimous decision.
Consequently, many fighters and fans congratulated Nunes for her achievements retiring on such a high note. However, her rival Julianna Pena was annoyed by Amanda’s decision to retire. The Venezuelan Vixen claimed that the two-division champion got scared of her and ducked the trilogy matchup.
I scared you so bad into retirement. Personally, Congratulations. Professionally, wtf was that? #UFC289
— Julianna Peña (@VenezuelanVixen) June 11, 2023
Why was Julianna Pena vs Amanda Nunes canceled?
It is understandable why Julianna Pena is unhappy with Amanda Nunes retiring from the UFC. Because the two bantamweights didn’t get to fight for the bragging rights. And The Venezuelan Vixen felt that she would have easily won the trilogy bout. Besides, Pena was initially scheduled to fight The Lioness in a trilogy bout in the main event of the UFC 289.
However, Julianna Pena had to withdraw from the title bout against Amanda Nunes due to multiple injuries. The former UFC champion revealed that she was ready to compete against Nunes at UFC 289 with a lingering back injury. But she busted her rib which resulted in another injury. This made it almost impossible for Julianna Pena to compete and as a result, she decided to not hold the division back.
Soon after the revelation of Pena’s injury, the UFC found a replacement and gave the title shot to Irene Aldana. Although Aldana who was on a five-fight winning streak was unable to dethrone the bantamweight champion.
Amanda Nunes vs Julianna Pena rivalry explained
The UFC scheduled a bout between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Pena for UFC 265. The Lioness’ bantamweight title was at stake against Pena who earned the opportunity by submitting Sara McMann at UFC 257. Unfortunately, Nunes tested positive for covid-19 and the promotion decided to postpone the title bout.
Julianna Pena was disappointed with the promotion postponing the bout. Consequently, she claimed that Amanda Nunes made an excuse for covid to pull out. Thereafter the two bantamweight’s exchanged a lot of banter on social media and in interviews. Their rivalry started heating up and the two fighters finally squared off against each other at UFC 269 in 2021.
Everyone was expecting Amanda to retain her title and Pena went into the fight as an underdog. However, the Venezuelan Vixen stunned the world by dominating Nunes and submitting her via rear naked choke in the second round. Pena became the new bantamweight champion and ended Amanda’s twelve-fight winning streak.
The Lioness exercised her rematch clause and the two bantamweights collided against each other at UFC 277 in July 2022. Amanda Nunes took revenge for her loss as she brutally battered Julianna Pena throughout the five rounds. Following the unanimous decision win, the UFC decided it is fair to book a trilogy bout.
https://youtu.be/Ze9SgM8MT28
Nunes was set to make her return at UFC 289 and defend her belt against Pena in a trilogy bout. But Julianna suffered two major injuries and the UFC had to cancel the bout. With Amanda Nunes retiring we won’t be able to see a trilogy fight. But it is needless to say that Julianna Pena was probably the Brazilian’s toughest challenge in her UFC career.
