“She Doesn’t Trust Anybody in There”- Julianna Pena Speculates Reason for Amanda Nunes’ Split From American Top Team

Julianna Pena shocked the world when she stripped the bantamweight belt off of Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 last year. ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ definitely caused one of the greatest upsets in the history of MMA. The fact that she won the award for the ‘performance of the year’ is a testament to the same.

Recently, the bantamweight champion appeared in an interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto and spoke about the situation of Amanda Nunes. After her loss at UFC 269, Nunes left her gym, American Top Team, which is considered to be the greatest MMA gym in the world.

She said,” I think that it’s almost a little bit sad. Because when you are so popular and so dominant and you are in this gym that is like a McDonald’s one-stop-shop for all of these fighters. It’s like you can’t even go into the gym anymore and train because you don’t know who has your back.”

“It definitely plays, I think in her mind and it makes her paranoid, and it makes her a little bit scared, and cautious of who she lets into her inner circle. And so it’s just a lot of stress. It’s a lot of chaos, and I honestly, I swear on my life, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I feel actually, you know, sympathetic towards the situation that she’s in,” added Pena.

Amanda Nunes left ATT and started her own training facility, where she will practice for her future bouts.

READ MORE: Amanda Nunes Leaves American Top Team – Plans to Start Her Own Gym

What’s next for Julianna Pena?

Julianna Pena has proven herself as the top female bantamweight fighter after her dominant display at UFC 269. In her post-fight press conference, Pena was quick to agree to give Nunes a rematch for the title bout. Pena is extremely confident in her ability to beat Nunes again and at the same time is respectful to the former champion.

Another possible opponent for Pena, if the match with Nunes fails to happen, is Valentina Shevchenko. A bout with Shevchenko is possible if one of them adjusts their weight class.

Who do you think will share the octagon with Julianna Pena next? Let us know in the comments section below.

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