BREAKING: Amanda Nunes vs Julianna Pena trilogy to headline UFC 289 in Vancouver
Amanda Nunes will be making her long-awaited return to the octagon later this year when she collides with Julianna Pena for the third time for UFC women's bantamweight gold.
The series is currently tied between the two women and each has taken home one win apiece from their back-to-back bouts. When they meet for the third time, it will be their first foray back into the octagon since headlining UFC 277 when the Brazilian leveled the score at 1-1 with a unanimous decision victory.
As announced earlier today, Dana White has confirmed that Amanda Nunes and Julianna Pena will be the main event for the upcoming UFC 289 card in Vancouver, Canada.
Just spoke with UFC President Dana White who confirms that Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Peña 3 will headline UFC 289
Rumors were somewhat against the thought of Nunes and Pena meeting for a third time, with many speculating that the bantamweight queen had a different assignment in the pipeline.
Although the champion has remained rather quiet since her win last July, 'The Venezuelan Vixen' has been vocal about getting this match tied up and she has now seemingly gotten her wish.
According to reports, Nunes turned down a potential new opponent in Irene Aldana as she believed the challenger should compete against Julianna Pena for a number one contender shot, something that didn't come to fruition. The Mexican is 4-1 in her last five outings and would be a viable option for a shot at UFC gold.
| Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana will likely not happen next.
🚨| Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana will likely not happen next.
Nunes has turned down the idea as she would like Aldana and Peña to fight for the title shot.
Peña only wants to fight if it is the trilogy with Nunes.
[per @combate]
What do you want to see happen?🤔
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Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Pena and other confirmed fights for UFC 289
UFC 289 will get underway in the Rogers Arena in Vancouver on June 10, and there are a number of entertaining bouts already confirmed to date, alongside the recently announced title clash between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Pena.
One war that has all the potential to steal the show and walk away with a fight-of-the-night bonus is the featherweight brawl involving the always-dangerous Dan Ige and the wild Nate Landwehr.
Following his TKO victory over Julian Marquez earlier this year, Marc-Andre Barriault will meet Eryk Anders in two months' time. Flyweight competitor Matt Schnell will look to get back to winning ways when he welcomes David Dvorak into the cage.
Stephen Thompson has showcased just how explosive his fights can be when he matches up against a fellow striker, which is why his upcoming collision with Michel Pereira has fight-of-the-year contender written all over it.