Amanda Nunes Reacts To UFC 289 Backup Opponent: 'Nothing's Gonna Happen'

Originally posted on FanNation MMA Knockout
By Fernando Quiles Jr. | Last updated 6/8/23

Amanda Nunes isn't too concerned going into UFC 289.

Nunes, the UFC women's bantamweight and women's featherweight titleholder, will put her 135-pound gold on the line this Saturday night (June 10). Challenging her for the championship will be Irene Aldana. At the very least, that is a plan that looks to be coming to fruition barring a last-minute mishap at the weigh-ins.

In case something were to go awry, the UFC has an emergency plan. Number-two-ranked UFC women's bantamweight Raquel Pennington will be the backup replacement fighter if Nunes or Aldana aren't cleared to compete.

During a media scrum ahead of UFC 289, Nunes addressed Pennington as an emergency backup opponent.

"No, I don't think anything's gonna happen," Nunes said. "It's gonna be Irene who's gonna face me on the night. So, obviously, 'Rocky's' here. I think it's cool to have somebody else line up, but nothing's gonna happen. It's gonna be Irene for sure."

Nunes and Pennington aren't strangers to one another. The two collided back in May 2018. "The Lioness" was defending her bantamweight title. Nunes maintained her hold on the gold via fifth-round TKO. She'll be hoping to have that same success against Aldana five years later.

"The Lioness" was going to meet Julianna Pena for the third time at UFC 289, but Pena was pulled due to an injury. Nunes and Pena are 1-1 against each other, but some experts actually believe Aldana is the tougher fight.

UFC 289 ODDS: BETTING LINES FOR AMANDA NUNES VS. IRENE ALDANA

If you use any quotes from this article, please leave a H/T to MMA Knockout for the transcription.

This article first appeared on FanNation MMA Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: