Amanda Nunes demolishes Megan Anderson in one at UFC 259

Dec 14, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Amanda Nunes (red gloves) reacts before a bout against Germaine de Randamie (not pictured) during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

In the co-main event of UFC 259, we saw the return of the greatest women’s mixed martial artist of all time. Two-division champion, Amanda Nunes (20-4) was back to defend her featherweight title against top contender, Megan Anderson (11-4).

This was Nunes’ first fight since she became a mother in late 2020. The last time we saw Nunes was at UFC 250 when she completely destroyed Felicia Spencer over the course of five rounds.

Nunes has won eleven fights in a row leading up to UFC 259. Every person the promotion has put in front of her, outside of Valentina Shevchenko, she’s destroyed. She was the massive betting favorite in tonight’s co-main event.

Megan Anderson is the former featherweight champion in Invicta. When she made her UFC debut a couple of years ago, people were thinking of her as a potential champion. However, she’s only gone 3-2 in five fights so far with the UFC.

Her two losses have come against Holly Holm and Felicia Spencer. Both of those opponents were dominated by Nunes which is why Anderson was nearly a +800 underdog on some sites heading into tonight’s fight.

UFC 259 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 259 co-main event opened and the champion had a big smile on her face. The two touch gloves and Anderson started moving forward. A good low kick lands for Nunes to start her striking.

Anderson was switching stances and Nunes lands a massive overhand right. Another massive right hand lands and Anderson is wobbled badly. Nunes pushes forward and drops Megan Anderson with a big shot.

The UFC champion was beating Anderson badly here in the first. Nunes locks up a triangle choke and this one is over. Anderson taps and Nunes retains her featherweight championship.

Amanda Nunes def. Megan Anderson by Submission (Triangle Armbar) – Round 1