Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña – the bitter-sweet rivalry between the duo has thrilled fans for long. Their feud is still unsettled, as the score between the duo is tied at 1-1, and it seems like it’s going to be that way forever. With Nunes’ announcing retirement after a successful title defense and win over Irene Aldana at UFC 289, the tables have turned on Pena, who was looking to serve Nunes a taste of her own medicine. 

UFC 289, which was supposed to host the Trilogy fight between Nunes and Pena, never came to fruition as Pena had to withdraw due to a rib injury. To this day, Pena is looking for redemption, but all efforts have been in vain. In a recent interview, the current #1 UFC women’s bantamweight voiced her frustration at not being able to settle the score with Nunes, going as far as calling her a ‘coward.’ Let’s delve into what the TUF 18 winner had to say about her arch-rival.

Julianna Penna’s dissatisfaction with Amanda Nunes’ retirement reflects in her words

In an interview with ESPN MMA, the American MMA icon sat down to share her views on ‘The Lioness’s retirement decision, and gave a peek into what she claims to be the reason behind the Brazilian’s sudden retirement. The host kicked off the interview with a question that’s racing on every fan’s mind: “‘What about this Trilogy?’ this third decisive fight between you two[Nunes and Pena]?”

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Pena retorted back to the question, stating, “…the biggest thing for me is – like you said, we are 1-1.” Claiming herself as the only person allowed to call Nunes a ‘coward,’ the American made a bold remark – “I definitely think that she found the easy way out in retiring…we do have unfinished business, you know.” Reflecting on her frustration of not being able to settle the score with her arch-nemesis at UFC 289, the TUF 18 winner vented her dissatisfaction.

READ MORE: Hours After Hanging up Her Gloves, Amanda Nunes Brutally Mocks Women’s Bantamweight Division as Ex-Champ Shares Savage Take On UFC 289 Retirement

Moreover, she even went on to throw some shade at the Brazilian bantamweight, adding, “…she also pulled out of our fight when we were supposed to fight the first time. And she’s pulled out of many fights in the past…[That] doesn’t mean that you go and retire because of it.

Beyond the feud: Julianna Pena’s take on a wishful Amanda Nunes return

In contrast to her digs at Nunes, Pena also showed some respect for the two-time champ, saying, “…as a mom – as a human, I wish her the best. Enjoy retirement – you know what I mean. Have a good time…”

When the interviewer questioned Pena, if she would fight Nunes again, the American fighter almost immediately retorted, “I’ll always want to fight her if she decides to return. Absolutely!”

She further revealed that she has “a bucket list of things” that she wanted to do. On this list, her revenge on Nunes remains one of her top priorities. She even claimed that Nunes knew about this wish of hers and therefore took early retirement to avoid clashing with the American for the third time. But given the highly unlikely return of Amanda Nunes, this wish may simply fade away into the pages of UFC history.

What do you think of Julianna’s comments about Amanda Nunes? Let us know in the comments below!

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