Disaster has already begun before the UFC has kicked off for 2026, as Kayla Harrison is forced out of her championship fight.
The UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion was prepared to face the proclaimed G.O.A.T of Women’s MMA, Amanda Nunes, in the co-main event of UFC 324.
The 35-year-old suffers from herniated discs in her neck and would require surgery, which could see her out of action for at least six months.
UFC President Dana White had billed this scheduled five-round bout as ‘the greatest female fight of all time’.
How Harrison vs Nunes was built up in the first place
‘The Lioness’ retired from mixed martial arts in June 2023 when she successfully defended the bantamweight title against Irene Aldana at UFC 289.
Harrison claimed her golden opportunity after two UFC fights, submitting former champion Holly Holm and comfortably going the distance with Ketlen Vieira.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist faced two-time UFC Champion Julianna Pena in the co-main event of UFC 316.
Nunes was spectating at cage side for a potential return against the winner as the Brazilian previously faced Pena twice in her career, both involving title fights.
The Ohio-born fighter dominated against ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ as she won by submission with a kimura late in round two to become the new Queen of the Bantamweights.
With Nunes witnessing the action, Harrison called out the former two-division champion for her first title defence.
When Harrison and Nunes came face-to-face, the UFC Hall of Famer confirmed that she would be coming back, stating she knew it was bound to happen.
The women’s super-fight was officially confirmed later in 2025; however, it looks like it’s going to be postponed until later on in 2026 due to the champion’s injury.
Will Nunes still compete, and who will she face?
It’s likely that the 37-year-old hasn’t returned to the UFC to battle contenders as she is focused on claiming UFC gold once again.
Since the women’s bantamweight title has not been defended since June 2025, there is a small possibility that an interim title bout could take place.
If this is the case, it will be the first time an interim championship has been placed on the line in the UFC women’s division.
The only disadvantage for the newly upcoming challenger is that they would be taking the five-round title fight on less than two weeks’ notice.
Nunes could potentially face Pena in what would be a trilogy fight, especially given the heated history between the two female fighters.
Another fighter that could gain the opportunity is the #3 contender Norma Dumont, who is currently riding on a six-fight win streak.
When ‘The Immortal’ heard the news about Harrison withdrawing from the event, the Brazilian wrote on her Instagram story “, I’m ready” and “Let’s go” to signify that she wanted to face the UFC legend.
Dumont has defeated similar opponents to Nunes, including Aldana, Germaine de Randamie, and Felicia Spencer, all by decision.