One of the biggest and most anticipated matchups in the history of women’s MMA is officially set. UFC CEO Dana White has announced that Kayla Harrison will defend her bantamweight title against the returning GOAT, Amanda Nunes, in the co-main event of UFC 324 on Saturday, Jan. 24, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The blockbuster bout marks the first pay-per-view event of the Paramount era, and it couldn’t ask for a bigger stage or bigger names.
Former ATT Teammates, Current Rivals
What makes this matchup even juicier?
Harrison and Nunes are former American Top Team teammates, two dominant champions whose paths never crossed… until now.
The moment Harrison dethroned Julianna Peña at UFC 316, most fans assumed Nunes was next. When the two squared off in the cage after Harrison’s victory, the energy said everything: the fight was inevitable.
Now it’s official.
Kayla Harrison: The New Queen at 135
Harrison (19-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is chasing history and carving out a legacy in record time.
Her current four-fight winning streak includes:
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A dominant final PFL win over Aspen Ladd
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A submission victory over Holly Holm in her UFC debut
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A unanimous decision over Ketlen Vieira
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And the championship win over Julianna Peña to claim the belt
The two-time Olympic gold medalist has quickly established herself as one of the most overwhelming forces in the division — but her greatest test is now ahead.
Amanda Nunes Returns: The Lioness Roars Again
Amanda Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC), widely regarded as the greatest female fighter of all time, will return from retirement to reclaim the throne she voluntarily vacated.
“The Lioness” retired in 2023 after a near-flawless title defense against Irene Aldana at UFC 289 and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025 this summer.
During a fan Q&A at UFC 316, Nunes hinted at a comeback and made it clear this wouldn’t be a one-off.
Now she’s stepping back into the fire against a fighter many believe is the only real heir to her legacy.
A Dream Fight for MMA Fans
Harrison vs. Nunes is a clash of eras, styles, and personalities:
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Olympic Judoka vs. All-Time MMA Striker
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The New Queen vs. The Returning GOAT
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A division’s present vs. its past… and maybe its future
For fans, this is the kind of super fight you hope for but rarely get.
And for the UFC’s first PPV of the Paramount era? It’s a statement: the biggest fights are coming to Las Vegas.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
