Amanda Nunes spent a significant portion of her illustrious career training under the esteemed coaches at American Top Team (ATT) in Florida. However, she eventually made the decision to part ways with the renowned gym and establish her own private training facility, where the focus could be exclusively on her needs and preparation.
This strategic move proved successful for Nunes. Following a previous loss, she rebounded powerfully, dominating Julianna Peña over five rounds to regain the UFC bantamweight championship. She further solidified her status with a decisive victory over Irene Aldana in her final fight before announcing her retirement. Now, as Nunes prepares to return to competition, with a highly anticipated clash against Kayla Harrison on the horizon, she openly states that the potential conflict arising from training alongside Harrison was the direct catalyst for her departure from American Top Team in the first place.
“Yes, I did [leave because of Kayla Harrison],” Nunes confirmed during the UFC 316 post-fight broadcast. “Because when she got there, she started training with my coach, Mike Brown, Anderson [Franca], everybody, and I knew this fight would happen one day.
“If I was there now, that would be a problem. A huge problem for [American Top Team owner] Dan [Lambert]. She would have to move. Both training at the same gym, never would have happened.”
Nunes pointed out that situations like this, where potential matchups create tension, have historically occurred at American Top Team, almost always resulting in one of the fighters leaving. She cited instances such as the conflict between Tyron Woodley and Robbie Lawler, and the intense rivalry between Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal, which also led to similar splits within the gym.
According to Nunes, from the moment Harrison first mentioned her name as a potential opponent, she sensed that a confrontation was inevitable and that they would have to eventually put their shared gym affiliation aside to settle their differences. While acknowledging they were under the same roof for several years, Nunes disputed the notion that she and Harrison were particularly close or served as primary training partners for each other.
“Honestly, we felt it at the gym,” Nunes stated. “As soon as she got the microphone, she used to talk about me. From that moment, we already started [feeling different], we always respected each other in the gym but we knew. The energy, we were never able to connect. We’re training here and there, we never was training partners in the gym. Let’s be honest. We were never training partners.
“Here and there we were training, also I was completely out of shape. Every time I’d come back to the gym, somehow we’re training and I’m like damn, I’m going to train with Kayla when I’m completely out of shape? That’s not fair. Now we’re going to see each other when I’m at full time in camp, 100 percent strong ‘The Lioness’ and she’s going to know exactly who I am inside the cage.”
With her comeback announced and Harrison recently becoming a champion after defeating Julianna Peña at UFC 316, Nunes expressed excitement for the challenge that lies ahead.
Nunes is required to re-enter the UFC’s anti-doping program, which mandates six months of testing for retired fighters before they can compete again. Despite this, she anticipates the highly anticipated showdown against Harrison to take place before the conclusion of 2025.
“Honestly, I’m going to really get in camp full time, I was training here in there but always in shape,” Nunes commented. “Honestly, November/December, I might be ready to go.”
Regarding her future plans, Nunes made it clear that her return is not just for a single fight against Harrison. She intends to stay active.
Nunes declared her goal is to reclaim her championship belt and then face other top contenders in the 135-pound division. She feels revitalized, re-energized, and fully prepared to take back everything she previously held.
“Look, my body’s good, I don’t have an injuries,” Nunes affirmed. “My brain is amazing. My soul is ready for everything. I’m going get the belt, defend as long as possible. I’m ready to do it all over again. You guys never see that before. I’m going to be the first one. I’m going to do it all over again. I’m going to become a new champion and then defend the belt and we’re going to keep going. Honestly, I’m pumped for this.”
