Amanda Nunes delivered a dominant performance at UFC 289, defeating Irene Aldana by unanimous decision to retain her bantamweight title. Following her victory, Nunes surprised the MMA world by announcing her retirement from professional fighting. The event, held in Vancouver, British Columbia, showcased Nunes’ exceptional skills and solidified her status as one of the greatest female fighters of all time.
Throughout the fight, Nunes showcased her superior striking abilities, landing significant blows on Aldana while skillfully evading her opponent’s attacks. Aldana’s corner repeatedly urged her to take a more aggressive approach, but Nunes’ defense and strategic offense proved insurmountable.
Reflecting on her win, Nunes expressed satisfaction with her performance, stating, “It went exactly how I pictured it in my mind. I did what I was supposed to do. When I started to mix it up… (Aldana) wasn’t able to do anything.” Nunes’ dominance in the octagon was evident, leaving no doubt about her capability as a champion.
Despite her retirement, Nunes expressed her desire to remain involved in the world of mixed martial arts. She expressed interest in coaching and training future female champions while taking the time to prioritize her personal life and spend quality time with her wife and family in Brazil.
Nunes, who has achieved numerous records throughout her career, including victories over some of the sport’s biggest names, aims to be remembered as the greatest female fighter in history. Her retirement marks the end of an era and a legacy that will be celebrated by fans and fellow fighters alike.
UFC President Dana White commended Nunes for her outstanding contributions to the sport, praising her as an icon. White expressed his happiness for Nunes and highlighted her exceptional character, saying, “She’s been incredible to work with. She’s such a good human being… if she’s ready to go, you have to be happy for her.”
In other notable bouts, Charles Oliveira secured a TKO victory against Beneil Dariush in the co-main event, positioning himself as a potential challenger for the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev. Aiemann Zahabi claimed a knockout victory over Aoriqileng, while Mike Malott emerged victorious with a submission win. Diana Belbita, Nelson, Zahabi, and Marc-Andre Barriault also secured victories in their respective fights.
The event witnessed the presence of legendary fighter Georges St-Pierre, who sat cageside and surprised many of the fighters with his attendance. However, an unfortunate incident occurred during Malott’s walkout when a railing collapsed, causing some fans to fall and injuring one of Malott’s cornermen. The venue promptly addressed the situation and ensured the safety of all attendees.
With a sellout crowd of 17,628 fans, UFC 289 in Vancouver proved to be a resounding success. Looking ahead, UFC President Dana White mentioned Toronto as a potential location for future Canadian fights, further exciting MMA enthusiasts across the country.
Amanda Nunes’ retirement marks the end of a remarkable career, leaving a lasting impact on the sport of mixed martial arts. Her legacy as a dominant champion and trailblazer for female fighters will be etched in history, forever inspiring future generations of athletes.