If you enjoy the women's division of bantamweight, then you'll be delighted to hear that the top-ranked candidates are competing this weekend. You'll find out which women will be making their first title defenses, including Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm. Also, you will learn what to expect in Amanda Nunes' first defense of her title against Julianna Pea.
Germaine de Randamie vs. Holly Holm
The UFC has announced that Germaine de Randamie will face Irene Aldana in the main event of UFC 268 on November 6 in New York City. The winner of this bout will go on to fight Amanda Nunes in the featherweight division. The UFC has also stated that the fight will feature a mixed bag of styles. The UFC has not yet revealed whether the fight will be a knockout, submission or both. However, both women are considered elite competition.
Amanda Nunes' first title defense against Julianna Pena
Amanda Nunes was the first woman to successfully defend her bantamweight crown twice. This made UFC history. At UFC 277, Nunes defeated double champion Julianna Pena by unanimous decision. After losing her first fight, Nunes won the second by unanimous decision. She then defended her title against Pena. This was the UFC women’s bantamweight championship's most controversial fight.
Germaine de Randamie vs. Alexandra Pantoja
After Holly Holm's recent win over Irene Aldana, Germaine de Randamie has made her next fight a major event. Both women are looking to defend their title. Germaine de Randamie is currently the UFC women’s bantamweight champion. Pantoja, however, is the current featherweight champion.
Alexandra Shevchenko vs. Germaine de Randamie
According to sportsbooks, Amanda Nunes is the favorite for this bout. Her track record is long and includes dominating opponents by size and strength. She also excels in ground and pound. Nunes was defeated in her last match. Nunes was well-positioned to beat de Randamie, but she held her distance and peppered her with shots. The future of this division is unclear, though, so Shevchenko could look to make a run at the title in this fight. However, she might stay at flyweight for a while.
Alexandra Vieira vs. Germaine de Randamie
Germaine de Randamie (a former women's featherweight champion) is currently on a winning streak of three fights. After defeating Holly Holm in February, de Randamie was awarded the UFC belt, but she refused to fight Cris Cyborg. Germaine de Randamie initially was to face Marion Reneau at UFC Rotterdam. Unfortunately, the Brazilian pulled it out due to injury.
Alexandra Shevchenko vs. Amanda Nunes
Shevchenko fought Nunes twice, with the first coming at bantamweight. After that, she dropped down to 125lbs and won title. Both women are well-known as pound-for pound fighters and fans have long called for a tri-fight. Bisping will also participate in the fight. Continue reading to learn more about Shevchenko & Nunes.