Amanda Nunes, considered the greatest women’s fighter of all time, announced her retirement on Saturday at UFC 289.
Nunes shared her decision after defeating Irene Aldana via unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, 50-44) to defend her UFC women’s bantamweight title at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“Double champion forever,” Nunes shouted into the microphone while her gloves were cut off. “This is the perfect night to retire.”
Asked after what she hopes she’s remembered for, Nunes didn’t hesitate. “The greatest of all time,” she said. “I did everything. I broke a lot of records.”
Nunes retires with the most wins in UFC women’s history (16), the most UFC women’s title fight wins (11), and most finishes in women’s UFC history (10).
"Double champion FOREVER. Tonight is a perfect night to retire."
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 11, 2023
🏆🦁🏆 @Amanda_Leoa leaves the Octagon as one of the greatest to EVER do it. #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/N3TtgjOQAz
Claressa Shields may have been down, but she wasn’t out.
Her ground game needs some work, as she was dominated on the ground for two straight rounds. But the two-time Olympic gold medalist was able to rebound in the third round. She stayed in a safe, kneeling position and landed huge punches to Brittney Elkin, finishing her off by TKO at 1 minute, 44 seconds.
IT'S ALL OVER!!! CLARESSA SHIELDS IS HERE TO STAY!#2021PFL4 pic.twitter.com/6zYPYwCGQY
— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 11, 2021
The first two rounds were rough for Shields, as Elkin was able to get her down in the first round, move to a full mount and land punches from the top. The second was more of the same.
But Shields stopped an attempted takedown in the third, which then enabled her to find her position and keep punching until she earned the TKO.
The win moves Shields to 1-0 in her MMA career while Elkin, now 3-7, is on a four-fight losing streak