Former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier reacts to Amanda Nunes not fighting at UFC 249.

Originally, UFC 249 was supposed to have 3 title fights; Justin Gaethje vs Tony Ferguson and Henry Cejudo vs Dominick Cruz, and Amanda Nunes vs Felicia Spencer. However, the count dropped to two when Nunes refused to fight on the May 9 card.

Why did Amanda Nunes pull out?

In an interview with Brian Campbell of CBS Sports, Nunes said that she wants a full training camp for a tough opponent like Spencer.

“I’m not fighting May 9. “I’m going to fight,” Nunes said. “I don’t think this is the right time for me right now to fight. Let this coronavirus pass a little bit so I can at least have a full camp. We can maybe see around June, [but] let’s see what is going to happen. But I’m not fighting [May 9].”

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As of now, Amanda Nunes is not in Brazil. She is in Florida and has been training at the American Top Team despite the Coronavirus pandemic. The double champ claimed that being out of shape is not the reason behind her pull-out.

Daniel Cormier comments on Nunes

On ‘DC and Helwani,’ Cormier praised the Brazilian for her courage, as he believes that it is difficult to say “No” to a fight.

“It takes courage to say, ‘I’m not gonna fight,’ ” DC said. “All of us are screaming, ‘We’ll fight!’ Amanda, being the double champion and the greatest female fighter in history was like ‘I’m not doing it. And I can’t prepare myself effectively.’ ”

Furthermore, he also claimed that Amanda could have made it work. DC told Helwani that a fighter needs only 3 training partners and coaches for a full camp. And there are many talented girls at ATT which can help Nunes achieve her goals.

“I think Amanda (Nunes) could have made it work,” Cormier added.

However, he appreciates her decision to sit out. During the conversation, Helwani pointed out the fact that Amanda’s partner, Nina Ansaroff is pregnant. This could have influenced the champion’s decision as well.

What are your thoughts on Amanda Nunes’ withdrawal from UFC 249?