The Hidden Truth Behind Amanda Nunes’ Retirement Revealed

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Your coach, KeepTough, is coming at you again with the straight facts and no fluff. Today, we’re diving into something that shook the entire combat sports world — Amanda Nunes’ retirement. When the greatest women’s fighter of all time decided to step away, it left fans and fighters everywhere asking, "Why now?"

Stick with me, because I’m breaking down the full story — how Amanda built an unmatched legacy, why her final fight left such an impact, what drove her decision to hang up the gloves, and how this changes the landscape of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Amanda Nunes’ Unmatched Legacy in the UFC​

Amanda Nunes’ career is the kind of thing you tell future generations about. A true force of nature, born in Brazil and forged into one of the toughest fighters the UFC has ever seen. She rose through the ranks of Brazilian MMA fighters, became a double champion, and left a trail of wreckage behind her.

She claimed not just one belt but two — the women’s bantamweight and featherweight titles. Amanda crushed big names: Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm, Miesha Tate. She even holds two wins over Valentina Shevchenko, another all-time great.

With 16 wins in UFC women's history, 11 UFC title fight victories, and 10 finishes, Amanda didn’t just participate in the game — she redefined it. She is the queen who defended her throne repeatedly, setting records that may stand for decades.

The Retirement Announcement: A Moment That Stunned Fans​

We now flashback to May 2, 2023, at UFC 289 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Amanda Nunes gave a dominant performance against Irene Aldana.

It was a unanimous decision 50-43, 50-44, 50-44. It was vintage Nunes, controlling the second half of her defense of her UFC women's bantamweight title like a veteran champ.

Then came the shocker. Post-fight, microphone in hand, she made the announcement: she was retiring. “Double champion forever,” she declared. “This is the perfect night to retire.”

Fans in the arena? Speechless. Fighters backstage? Stunned. Dana White? Even he admitted he "wasn't shocked," but you could tell it still hit hard.

The Real Reasons Behind Amanda Nunes’ Retirement​

So, why did Amanda Nunes decide to walk away after such dominance?

Here’s the truth. First, the physical toll. Amanda revealed she’s been battling nerve damage in both legs — something that flares up every time she fights. You saw her walk into the post-fight press conference on crutches. Years of grinding at the highest level leave scars, and no one is invincible to it.

Second, she wanted to focus on family and personal life. She’s a proud wife and mother, and after doing it all in the octagon, she’s ready to be present at home. When you’ve got the belts, the records, the legacy — family starts to mean more.

Third, Amanda admitted she knew from the moment she signed the Aldana fight contract that this was her final bout. But she kept it quiet, focused, and professional and saved the announcement until after she finished her job. That’s the mindset of a true champion.

And yeah, let’s not forget the business angle. Dana White said it himself — she’s earned serious money, changed her life over the last decade, and no longer has to fight for financial stability.

How Her Retirement Affects the UFC and Women’s MMA​

Amanda Nunes walking away leaves a huge power vacuum. Both the bantamweight and featherweight belts? Vacated. The women’s divisions are wide open. Fighters like Julianna Pena, who fought against Nunes, now can challenge for the throne.

Her retirement changed the UFC game plan big time. They have to find fresh stars and new rivals to keep women's MMA alive. It is an ideal time for hungry fighters to take the torch Amanda left behind.

What’s Next for Amanda Nunes?​

She’s made it clear she’s not disappearing. After some well-earned downtime in Brazil, she’ll be back at her South Florida gym, Lioness Studio, coaching the next generation. She’s already said, “I know everything about this game,” and she plans to mold new champions, especially young female fighters.

And don’t rule out appearances in the UFC. Coaching gigs, commentary roles, maybe even helping corner fighters. She loves the sport too much to walk away entirely.

Her impact is already cemented. Expect to see her in the UFC Hall of Fame, inspiring not just Brazilian fighters, but anyone dreaming big. Amanda’s story isn’t over — it’s just shifting to a new chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Why did Amanda Nunes retire?

Amanda Nunes retired due to years of physical wear, specifically nerve damage in both legs and her desire to focus on family life. She also wanted to retire on top after another dominant performance.

What records did Amanda Nunes hold?

Amanda Nunes holds the most wins in UFC women's history (16), the most title fight wins among women (11), and the most finishes in UFC women’s history (10). She’s beaten every other fighter to hold the women’s bantamweight and featherweight titles.

What’s next for Amanda Nunes after retirement?

Amanda plans to coach at her gym, Lioness Studio, helping the next generation of fighters. She also hinted at staying involved in MMA events and training, ensuring her knowledge continues to shape the sport.