Amanda Nunes is being linked to a September showdown with Kayla Harrison after Cris Cyborg relayed the rumor during PFL media day on 27 Jun 2026. The Brazilian legend, who has not fought since December 2016, could finally step back into the Octagon in Los Angeles, pending confirmation from the UFC.
What sparked the gossip?
Cris Cyborg, the PFL featherweight champion, answered a question from reporters at the PFL San Diego fight week. She said she had “heard” that the UFC is eyeing a Nunes‑Harrison bout in September, adding that Harrison is recovering from recent surgery. Cyborg’s comment was captured by *Bowks Talking Bouts* and quickly spread across MMA forums.
Why the matchup matters for Nunes
A fight with Harrison would give Nunes a high‑profile opponent for her comeback, pairing two former Olympic medalists‑turned‑MMA stars. Harrison, the current UFC women’s‑lightweight champion, last faced Nunes indirectly when she defeated Ronda Rousey, whose 2016 loss to Nunes remains a career highlight for the Brazilian. A direct clash would settle lingering debates about who is the superior striker‑to‑grappler hybrid.
How the UFC could make it happen
The UFC typically schedules major fights on Saturdays, and September 2026 offers a clear window before the organization’s fall pay‑per‑view slate. If the promotion confirms the bout, it would likely be held at the Staples Center, a venue that has hosted Nunes’s past title defenses. UFC matchmakers would need to align Harrison’s post‑surgery timeline with Nunes’s training camp, which is rumored to be underway in Brazil.
What fans should watch for next
The next public sign‑up could come from either fighter’s social media, where Nunes recently posted a neutral‑face emoji after Ronda Rousey’s arm‑bar win over Gina Carano. That subtle reaction hinted at a lack of excitement for other fighters, possibly signaling her focus on a bigger target like Harrison. Keep an eye on UFC press releases in early August; they often announce September cards at that point.
Potential hurdles
Both athletes have busy schedules. Harrison is slated to defend her lightweight title later this year, while Nunes may still be negotiating contract terms after her long hiatus. Additionally, the UFC must navigate medical clearances for Harrison’s recent surgery. Any delay could push the fight into 2027, turning the September rumor into a longer‑term prospect.
How this fits into Nunes’s legacy
If the bout materializes, it would be Nunes’s first fight in over a decade, and a win would cement her status as the most dominant female fighter in UFC history. A loss, however, could signal the end of an era. Either way, the speculation alone has reignited fan interest and put the Brazilian champion back in the conversation.
Bottom line
Cris Cyborg’s off‑the‑record comment on 27 Jun 2026 has put a possible Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison fight on the radar for September in Los Angeles. While no official confirmation exists yet, the rumor aligns with both fighters’ career trajectories and could reshape the women’s‑MMA landscape if it comes to fruition.