The next chapter in UFC’s evolving women’s division just got a blockbuster headline: Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes are confirmed to collide for the bantamweight belt at UFC 324, co-main eventing an already stacked card. The fight announcement came Thursday during a high-profile broadcast of the NFL on CBS — underscoring just how big the promotion views this return-match.

Harrison (19-1), the current women’s 135-lb champion, claimed the belt in June by submitting Julianna Peña at UFC 316. Immediately afterward, she began pushing for a superfight: her target was Nunes — a former two-division champion widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters ever to enter the Octagon. With Nunes agreeing to return, what was once wishful thinking has now become official.

For Nunes (23-5), the resurgence marks yet another chapter in a legendary career. The Brazilian icon hasn’t fought since mid-2023, following a successful title defense at UFC 289 when she announced what seemed like a final retirement. But as many returning legends have shown — the calling of the cage is often too strong to ignore.

Now, with UFC 324 scheduled for January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the women’s bantamweight title picture has reset overnight.

Why This Fight Matters — A Collision of Legacies and Momentum

This isn’t just a title defense or a comeback — it’s a generational clash. On one side is Harrison: Olympic-level credentials, elite grappling underpinned by judo pedigree, and the hunger of a new champion hungry to define her era. On the other stands Nunes: a veteran with unmatched resume — former featherweight and bantamweight champ, conqueror of legends, and a track record stamped in finishes and dominance.

For Harrison, this fight represents more than defense — it’s validation. Proving she can beat a legend elevates her from recent champion to modern great. For Nunes, it’s a chance at redemption: to silence doubts, prove her return was real, and challenge the long-held idea that age or hiatus can blunt her edge.

The stakes couldn’t be clearer. Fans will be watching for fireworks — and history could be made.

UFC 324: A Card Built for Transition, Legacy & Opportunity

Harrison vs. Nunes isn’t headlining — but it’s anchoring a card that marks a major turning point. UFC 324 also serves as the flagship event for UFC’s new media deal with Paramount+, symbolizing a shift in how the promotion delivers its biggest shows.

The headliner: an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. With current champion resting, the winner sets up a unification fight down the line. Behind that, Harrison vs. Nunes delivers a co-main event capable of stealing the spotlight — a strong statement for women’s MMA in the new era.

What makes this more compelling: UFC didn’t just schedule this fight; they framed it as a core part of their new broadcast launch. That indicates confidence — in the matchup’s appeal, in women’s MMA drawing power, and in the potential for Nunes’s return to reignite fan interest.

What to Watch Before the Bell

• Weight & Conditioning: Harrison has adjusted to 135 lbs, but Nunes is naturally bigger. If Nunes reclaims elite cardio and strength, she may hold an edge. On the flip side, Harrison’s youth, conditioning, and grappling could ground Nunes quickly.

• Game Plans: Harrison’s judo and pressure grappling could dominate early rounds. Nunes, with striking and submission versatility, may aim to keep things standing, use experience, and capitalize on openings.

• Mental Edge: This fight tests more than skill — it challenges legacy, ambition, and ego. Nunes returns to prove she still belongs; Harrison must defend legitimacy and show the future belongs to her generation.

Final Thought

In a UFC landscape often dominated by men, this matchup feels like a landmark — not just for 2026, but for women’s MMA as a whole. When Harrison and Nunes step into the Octagon at UFC 324, it won’t just be about a belt — it will be about legacy, respect, and proving that regardless of history, every fight earns its place in the spotlight.

For fans, the wait ends soon. For women’s MMA, a new chapter may begin.