Amanda Nunes rules out lack of motivation and promises to regain the bantamweight belt

Amanda nunes at a press conference before the UFC 259. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Before Julianna Pena, Amanda nunes suffered its first defeat in seven years, but anyone who thinks that the 'Lionea' was shaken by the situation is mistaken. In an interview with 'MMA Fighting', the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg) made it clear that she is motivated for the rematch against the 'Venezuelan Shrew' and stated that she will regain the category belt.

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“This was my first belt and I really want it back. This defeat motivated me a lot. Instead of demotivating me, it really injected fire into me and made me rethink many things, I made several changes in my life. I'll continue with this vibe. I will dance to the music that plays and I will not let any belt pass without an answer. My love for sport speaks louder. I love everything that involves MMA. It's always difficult for someone to retire, especially at their peak. The rematch will be another great achievement. I will get the belt back, without a doubt, and it will be historic. That's what makes me so fascinated by this sport”, said the 'Lione'.

The former bantamweight champion admitted that she did not have a good performance in the first clash, but revealed that she is aware of where she went wrong in the clash and that the problems will not repeat themselves in the long-awaited rematch.

“For some reason, I had to lose that night because of the mistakes I made in my training camp and during the fight. If I was really 100% and training well, that fight would definitely be mine and I would still have my belt. But, because of my decisions and because I was stubborn at times, I lost. Everyone goes through this. Sometimes, we have to be beaten until we learn and that's what happened to me. I made a mistake that cost me the belt and now I'm going to fight to get it back”, concluded Amanda.

Former bantamweight champion, the 'Leone' already has a date set to try to regain the belt. At the UFC 277, scheduled for July 30th, the Brazilian will take to the octagon for the second time against Julianna Pena seeking revenge for the defeat suffered in December 2021. The Brazilian athlete has a record of 21 triumphs and five setbacks in MMA.