Amanda Nunes’ UFC 334 Test: Takedowns

Amanda Nunes’ return from retirement is set to arrive at UFC 334, where she will challenge Kayla Harrison in a women’s bantamweight title fight. The matchup has already carried a long buildup, but Dustin Poirier has identified one area he believes could shape the outcome: whether Harrison can take Nunes down. His view does not settle the contest, yet it gives the fight a direct competitive question as Nunes prepares to enter the octagon for the first time since 2023.

Nunes, 38, announced her retirement after beating Irene Aldana by unanimous decision at UFC 289 in 2023. That win followed her 2022 victory over Julianna Pena at UFC 277, where Nunes avenged her defeat to Pena at UFC 269 in 2021. Nunes later ended her retirement in 2025 and was positioned to face the winner of Harrison and Pena at UFC 316. Harrison ultimately won the women’s bantamweight championship by submitting Pena, setting up Nunes’ return against the champion.

Poirier sees a decisive question for Nunes

Speaking on UFC on Paramount+, Poirier said he favors Harrison but framed the matchup around Harrison’s ability to impose her grappling. He said the fight would “come down to the takedowns,” specifically asking whether Harrison can use her judo and wrestling to bring Nunes to the mat. Poirier said Harrison would have “a lot of success” if she can do so. For Nunes, that assessment makes the early exchanges especially meaningful. The issue is not merely which athlete has the stronger overall reputation; it is whether Nunes can keep the bout in positions where Harrison’s top control is not available.

Poirier also described the other side of that equation. While he pointed to Harrison as big, strong and effective from top position, he said Nunes has length and power that are difficult to replicate in the women’s division during preparation. That observation supplies the tension behind his prediction: Harrison’s route, in his view, depends on closing distance and completing takedowns, while Nunes’ physical tools could make getting safely into those positions difficult. The source does not establish how the fight will unfold, but Poirier’s comments define the matchup’s central tactical contrast without reducing Nunes’ comeback to a simple forecast.

Amanda Nunes’ road back to UFC 334

The Nunes-Harrison fight has been moved more than once before landing at UFC 334. The UFC had hoped to book it for UFC 324 in January, but Harrison withdrew after suffering an injury and undergoing surgery. A rescheduled date was then targeted for UFC 331 before the bout was postponed again to UFC 334 in November. UFC 334 is scheduled for November 14 at Madison Square Garden, with Harrison welcoming Nunes back from retirement in the co-main event. The sequence adds important context to Nunes’ return: this is not simply an announced comeback, but a fight that has remained in place through multiple scheduling changes. Ailin Perez has said she is ready to serve as a replacement if needed, though she first has a scheduled bout with Norma Dumont. For now, Nunes remains the announced challenger opposite Harrison.

• Amanda Nunes retired after her unanimous-decision win over Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in 2023, then ended that retirement in 2025.
• Amanda Nunes’ fight with Kayla Harrison was first hoped for at UFC 324, then targeted for UFC 331, before being postponed to UFC 334 in November.

Amanda Nunes enters UFC 334 with a defined challenge and a substantial return narrative behind her. Poirier’s opinion favors Harrison, but his reasoning also underlines what Nunes can prevent: a fight contested on the mat under Harrison’s control. With Nunes’ length and power cited as significant variables, the scheduled title fight presents a focused test of distance, entries and takedown defense. After retirement, a comeback decision and repeated postponements, Nunes’ return is now tied to one of the clearest tactical questions on the UFC 334 card.