Kayla Harrison Submits Amanda Nunes to Retain UFC Bantamweight Title at UFC 334

Posted : 15 November 2026

Kayla Harrison delivered a stunning performance at UFC 334, submitting former two-division champion Amanda Nunes to retain her women's bantamweight title at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The 36-year-old American secured victory in the fourth round with a rear-naked choke, ending Nunes' return from retirement and strengthening her position among the leading fighters in women's mixed martial arts.

Nunes, 38, returned to competition for the first time since retiring in 2023. The Brazilian had previously dominated the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, becoming the first woman in UFC history to hold championships in both weight classes simultaneously.

Her decision to return was largely motivated by the opportunity to face Harrison, a former training partner and friend from American Top Team. However, the highly anticipated encounter ended with Harrison demonstrating her superior grappling ability.

Nunes started aggressively, landing several straight right hands and appearing comfortable during the early exchanges. However, Harrison gradually took control by bringing the fight to the ground, where her wrestling and judo background proved decisive.

The American repeatedly secured dominant positions and inflicted damage with ground strikes. She also disrupted Nunes' attempts to use grappling as an alternative to striking.

The decisive sequence arrived in the fourth round when Harrison caught a kick, threw Nunes off balance and secured the rear-naked choke that forced the Brazilian to submit.

The victory was particularly significant considering Harrison underwent neck and spinal surgery just 10 months before the contest.

Following the fight, she reflected on her difficult childhood and the personal challenges she had overcome. Harrison revealed that she had been sexually abused by her former judo coach, who was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

"I was sexually abused at a young age, statistically I'm not supposed to be here," Harrison said.

The Olympic gold medallist also expressed gratitude for her journey, which included two Olympic judo titles, two PFL lightweight championships and UFC bantamweight gold.

The victory improved Harrison's professional MMA record to 20 wins from 21 fights. However, she admitted that she was considering retirement because of the difficulties involved in making the 135lb bantamweight limit.

In the night's main event, Ciryl Gane successfully defended his heavyweight championship against American Josh Hokit, winning by unanimous decision.

Gane relied on effective counter-striking and movement to overcome Hokit's relentless pressure. Their encounter produced 383 significant strikes, setting a new UFC heavyweight record.

The French champion secured his first successful title defence since becoming undisputed champion in September following Tom Aspinall's decision to vacate the championship.

Gane's victory could set up a potential rematch against Aspinall once the British fighter recovers from his eye injury.

Elsewhere, Scotland's Chris Duncan defeated American Drew Dober by unanimous decision, while veteran Stephen Thompson ended his 16-year professional career with a stoppage victory over Charles Radtke.

Thompson, 43, delivered a trademark spinning wheel kick to secure the finish and retired with 18 victories from 28 professional fights.

Kayla Harrison Submits Amanda Nunes to Retain UFC Bantamweight Title at UFC 334

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