The UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes will defend her title against Julianna Pena in the co-main event of UFC 265 on August 7, 2021, in Houston, Texas. Nunes, who also holds the featherweight belt, is widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in MMA history, with a record of 21 wins and 4 losses, including 13 wins by knockout. Pena, a former winner of The Ultimate Fighter, has a record of 10 wins and 4 losses, and is known for her grappling skills and toughness. In this article, we will preview and analyze the Nunes vs Pena fight, and discuss the key factors that could determine the outcome.
The Tale of the Tape
As of August 1, 2021, Nunes is 33 years old, 5’8″ tall, with a reach of 69 inches, and a fighting weight of around 145 pounds. Pena is 32 years old, 5’7″ tall, with a reach of 69 inches, and a fighting weight of around 135 pounds. While Nunes is technically the smaller fighter, she has fought and beaten opponents in multiple weight classes, and her power and speed are formidable. Pena, on the other hand, has struggled with weight cuts and has been criticized for her striking defense, but her grappling and submission skills are world-class.
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The Legacy of Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes is a two-division UFC champion, having held the bantamweight and featherweight belts simultaneously. She has defeated a who’s who of female MMA fighters, including Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Valentina Shevchenko, and Holly Holm. Nunes is known for her knockout power, having finished 13 of her opponents by strikes, and her well-rounded skill set. Nunes’ legacy as one of the greatest female fighters of all time is already secured, but she continues to add to her resume with each dominant performance.
The Rise of Julianna Pena
Julianna Pena won The Ultimate Fighter Season 18 in 2013, and has since gone on to become one of the top bantamweight contenders in the UFC. Pena has a gritty fighting style, and is known for her toughness and durability. She has wins over former champions like Miesha Tate and Sara McMann, and is a legitimate threat on the ground. Pena has had some setbacks in her career, including a long layoff due to pregnancy and a loss to Germaine de Randamie, but she remains a dangerous and motivated fighter.
The Importance of the Bantamweight Division
The UFC women’s bantamweight division is one of the most competitive and exciting divisions in MMA. Nunes has been the dominant champion for several years, but there are several contenders waiting for their shot at the title. Fighters like Germaine de Randamie, Aspen Ladd, and Yana Kunitskaya are all vying for a chance to challenge Nunes for the belt. The bantamweight division also has rising stars like Miranda Maverick and Macy Chiasson, who could make a splash in the division in the coming years. The Nunes vs Pena fight is an important one for the division, as it will determine who the next challenger for the belt will be.
The Business of the UFC
The UFC is a multi-billion dollar company, and the Nunes vs Pena fight is a prime example of the business side of MMA. Nunes is a proven draw, and has headlined several pay-per-view events in the past. Pena, while not as well-known, has a loyal fan base and has been building momentum with her recent wins. The UFC is banking on the Nunes vs Pena fight to be a successful pay-per-view event, and has stacked the card with other exciting matchups. The business side of MMA is an important aspect to consider when analyzing fights, as it can affect matchmaking, promotions, and fighter pay.
The Styles and Strategies
Nunes is primarily a striker, with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and solid takedown defense. She likes to use her range, footwork, and power to set up her punches and kicks, and has shown a high level of accuracy and precision in her striking. Nunes also has good counter-wrestling skills, which means she can prevent or escape takedowns and control the distance of the fight. Against Pena, Nunes is likely to use her superior striking skills to keep Pena at bay and avoid grappling exchanges, where Pena is most dangerous.
Pena, on the other hand, is primarily a grappler, with a brown belt in BJJ and a wrestling background. She likes to close the distance, clinch up, and take her opponents down to the ground, where she can use her ground-and-pound and submission skills to finish the fight. Pena is known for her relentless pressure and physicality, and she is not afraid to absorb some punishment to get the fight to the ground. Against Nunes, Pena is likely to try to take Nunes down and use her grappling skills to wear her out and control her.
The Keys to Victory
For Nunes, the key to victory is to maintain her distance and avoid grappling exchanges. Nunes should use her jab, leg kicks, and overhand right to keep Pena at the end of her reach, and circle away from Pena’s pressure. Nunes should also be patient and disciplined, and not rush to finish the fight, as Pena is durable and can take a lot of punishment. If Nunes can stuff Pena’s takedowns and punish her with counter-strikes, she can win the fight by unanimous decision or TKO.
For Pena, the key to victory is to close the distance and take Nunes down. Pena should use her footwork and feints to get past Nunes’ striking range, and then clinch up and drag Nunes to the ground. Pena should avoid Nunes’ powerful ground-and-pound and look for opportunities to submit her with chokes or arm bars. Pena should also be aware of Nunes’ counter-wrestling and be ready to scramble or clinch up again if Nunes defends the takedown. If Pena can control Nunes on the ground and avoid her striking assaults, she can win the fight by submission or ground-and-pound stoppage.
The Prediction
The Nunes vs Pena fight is an intriguing matchup between two skilled and accomplished fighters with contrasting styles. Nunes is the favorite, and rightfully so, as she has more experience, more power, and more tools in her arsenal. However, Pena is not to be underestimated, as she has a strong grappling game and a lot of heart. If Pena can weather Nunes’ early onslaught and take her down, she has a chance to win. However, if Nunes can keep the fight standing and use her striking to wear down Pena, she should win. Our prediction is that Nunes will win by TKO in the third or fourth round, after a competitive and exciting fight.
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Final Thoughts
The Nunes vs Pena fight is a must-watch for MMA fans, as it showcases two of the best female fighters in the world competing for the bantamweight title. Nunes’ dominance has been unparalleled in recent years, but Pena is a live underdog with the skills and tenacity to pull off an upset. Whether you’re a fan of striking or grappling, this fight has something for everyone. So, mark your calendars for August 7 and get ready for an epic showdown in Houston
Conclusion
The Nunes vs Pena fight is shaping up to be an exciting matchup between two top bantamweight fighters. Nunes’ legacy is on the line, as she looks to defend her title once again and cement her status as the greatest female fighter in MMA history. Pena is a tough and gritty challenger, with the skills and heart to pull off an upset. The fight will have implications for the bantamweight division, and will also be a significant event for the UFC‘s business. Whether you’re a fan of MMA, sports, or business, the Nunes vs Pena fight is a must-watch event that has something for everyone.
