UFC 289: Amanda Nunes Retires as Champion, Charles Oliveira Makes a Statement

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Amanda Nunes cements her legacy as the GOAT and bids farewell to MMA with a spectacular retirement at UFC 289.

In an unforgettable night at UFC 289, Amanda Nunes solidified her status as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) with a remarkable display of skill and dominance. The Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada, witnessed Nunes’ near-flawless performance in the bantamweight title defense against Irene Aldana, where she secured victory by unanimous decision with scores of 50-44 and 50-43. Alongside this triumph, Nunes also established a new bantamweight record for most takedowns.

After her sensational win, Nunes surprised the world by announcing her retirement, departing as the women’s bantamweight champion, the women’s featherweight champion, and the undisputed greatest female MMA fighter in history. In a poignant retirement ritual, she placed both of her belts at the center of the octagon before having her gloves cut and laid on the floor. Kneeling down, Nunes kissed her belts and then gracefully bowed her head, signifying the end of a phenomenal career.

The jubilant Nunes, with an infectious smile, conducted a joyous post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier. She exuded sheer happiness as she celebrated her achievements, capturing the essence of one of the most illustrious careers in the world of MMA. Despite the crowd’s disappointment at her retirement, Nunes firmly stated that this was the perfect moment for her to step away from the sport.

Throughout the fight, Nunes showcased her prowess, outclassing Aldana in every aspect. Aldana, despite landing a crisp counter right hand in the first round, was no match for Nunes, who delivered a relentless assault and left her opponent battered, beaten, and overwhelmed. Nunes shared that her mother had been urging her to retire, acknowledging the toll the sport had taken on her.

Nunes’ accomplishments in the octagon are nothing short of legendary. She defeated an impressive roster of fighters, including Valentina Shevchenko (twice), Cris “Cyborg” Justino, Julianna Peña, Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, Germaine de Randamie, and Holly Holm. What sets Nunes apart is not just her ability to hold two titles simultaneously but also her success in defending both belts.

Her dominance transcends gender, placing her among the ranks of the greatest fighters in MMA history, regardless of male or female divisions. Nunes’ supremacy remains unmatched, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill for a long time to come.

Aside from the Nunes spectacle, UFC 289 also featured an enthralling lightweight bout between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush. Oliveira, the former lightweight champion, sought redemption after his loss to Islam Makhachev in October. He triumphed in the first round with a TKO victory, positioning himself favorably for a potential rematch and another shot at the title.

In recognition of the fighters’ exceptional performances, the UFC awarded four post-fight bonuses, including one to the record holder for most finishes. Following UFC 289, five fighters received an additional $50,000 for their remarkable displays in Las Vegas.

As the curtains closed on UFC 289, the sport bid farewell to a true icon. Amanda Nunes, with her outstanding achievements and unparalleled legacy, has etched her name in MMA history forever. Her retirement marks the end of an era, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the rise of new stars to carry the torch in the octagon.

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