UFC 269 Preview: Amanda Nunes – Julianna Pena

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 269, the greatest female fighter of all time makes her bantamweight return. Amanda Nunes (21-4) will defend her bantamweight crown for the first time in two years when she takes on Julianna Pena (10-4).

What can’t you say about Amanda Nunes? She’s the greatest female fighter of all time and she has an unreal resume. She’s defeated Valentina Shevchenko (twice), Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm, Miesha Tate, Ronda Rousey, and more.

Her last two UFC fights were defenses of her featherweight title. The fights were so one-sided that you felt like they just weren’t even fair. We haven’t seen Nunes at 135 since her successful title defense over Germaine de Randamie.

Welcoming Nunes back to 135 is Julianna Pena. Julianna Pena might be the only person in the world who believes that she will win at UFC 269. However, that’s the kind of confidence you need when you fight Amanda Nunes.

Most of the time, Nunes has you beat before you even step into the cage. The perfect example is Megan Anderson. However, Julianna Pena is not going to be intimidated. She fights with a lot of pressure and believes she will win at UFC 269.

In her last fight against Sara McMann, we saw Pena come back from adversity. It was a close fight, but she dug down deep to get a finish. That ability to dig deep is going to be key against Amanda Nunes.

UFC 269 Prediction

As mentioned, Julianna Pena is not going to be intimidated at UFC 269. I don’t expect her to be afraid of Amanda Nunes, but that lack of fear might make this a very quick night at the office for the champion.

Julianna Pena has no chance of winning this fight at range. If she attempts to fight from kickboxing range, this fight is going to be over within two minutes. Pena has to come right out and pressure Nunes quickly to try and get the fight to the mat.

Pena’s only chance is to either tire Nunes or take her down. I don’t see either happening. In reality, this fight at UFC 269 is not getting out of the first round and if it does, I’ll be stunned.

I think that Amanda Nunes wants to send a message and remind everyone why she’s the goat. Silencing Julianna Pena would just be the icing on the cake for the champ.

Prediction: Amanda Nunes by TKO – Round 1