Kayla Harrison is focusing on the Title, not calling out Amanda Nunes just yet

In the world of MMA, rivalries often steal the spotlight, especially when fighters have a shared history or are fighting for a championship title. However, Kayla Harrison, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and top contender in the women’s bantamweight division, is not rushing to call out Amanda Nunes—at least not yet. Despite the ongoing speculation about a potential showdown, Harrison remains laser-focused on her current goal: securing the title first.

Kayla Harrison’s Primary Focus: Capturing the Title

While many fighters often use post-fight interviews to call out big names, Harrison has a different strategy. After her recent victory, Harrison made it clear that she’s not interested in a confrontation with Nunes right now. For Harrison, the first step toward a potential fight with the former bantamweight champion is securing the title herself.

“I’m not going to call Amanda out,” Harrison explained. “I’m definitely not going to call Amanda out until I have the title.” This mindset highlights her strategy of focusing on the present and ensuring that any potential fight with Nunes is more significant. Harrison plans to make a possible showdown one of the biggest bouts in women’s MMA history, but only after she has the title in hand.

Julianna Pena’s Callout Sparks a Reaction

After her controversial win over Raquel Pennington, Julianna Pena made waves by calling for a trilogy fight with Nunes, even though Nunes has been retired since 2023. Pena’s callout came after she ignored Harrison, the No. 1 contender, who was shown backstage during the UFC’s broadcast. In defense of her callout, Pena said, “Kayla never mentioned her name,” claiming the same for the rest of the division.

Harrison couldn’t help but laugh at this statement. Although she has publicly expressed interest in fighting Amanda Nunes in the past, Harrison is not engaging in any callout battles at this time. Her focus remains firmly on the task at hand: claiming the title. For Harrison, calling out Nunes now doesn’t serve her purpose.

Obstacles to a Nunes Fight: The Reality of Retirement

Another important factor in Harrison’s decision is the reality of Amanda Nunes’ current status. Despite some hints that Nunes may be considering a comeback after retiring in 2023, Nunes has not officially re-entered the competition pool. Even if Nunes announces a return, she would first need to go through the UFC’s mandatory six months of drug testing before competing again.

For Harrison, waiting on a potential return from Nunes doesn’t make sense. Since Nunes isn’t actively competing, Harrison is better off focusing on the fighters who are currently active and in her division. As Harrison puts it, “I’m calling for that title,” focusing on what is within her control and not wasting time on speculative matchups.

Building the Biggest Fight in Women’s MMA

Harrison’s long-term vision is clear: she wants to build the biggest fight in women’s MMA history. She isn’t interested in calling out opponents just to stir up excitement; she wants to ensure that every fight she takes is monumental. “When I feel like I’ve done that, I’m going to build the biggest fight in women’s MMA history,” Harrison stated. By first securing the title, Harrison ensures that a future matchup—especially against someone like Amanda Nunes—is meaningful, with both fighters at the peak of their careers.

Conclusion: Kayla Harrison’s Path to the Top

In summary, Kayla Harrison is staying focused on what matters most: capturing the bantamweight title before setting her sights on a potential fight with Amanda Nunes. While other fighters, like Julianna Pena, may be calling out Nunes, Harrison’s disciplined approach is about controlling what she can in the present. By keeping her eyes on the prize and focusing on securing the title first, Harrison is setting herself up for a monumental fight in the future. When the time is right, a showdown with Nunes could become one of the most anticipated events in women’s MMA.