UFC 334: Muhammad picks Nunes over Harrison; fighters confirm mutual respect
Former UFC champion Belal Muhammad predicts Amanda Nunes will defeat titleholder Kayla Harrison at UFC 334, citing Nunes' power and Harrison's post-surgery uncertainty. While Nunes calls Cris Cyborg her toughest opponent, both fighters emphasize mutual respect despite their former teammate status.
Key points
- Belal Muhammad selects Amanda Nunes as the winner, arguing her striking power is a 'bad matchup' for Harrison and that Nunes may benefit from a rejuvenated return.
- Kayla Harrison, recovering from neck surgery, admits to confidence issues but states she is back to 100% fitness, viewing the bout as a potential career finale.
- Amanda Nunes, returning from a three-year retirement, insists she will win the title but identifies Cris Cyborg, not Harrison, as her toughest opponent.
- Both fighters confirm no personal animosity exists, acknowledging their shared history as teammates at American Top Team Gym.
Background
The bout was originally scheduled for January 2026 but delayed due to Harrison's neck surgery. Nunes retired in June 2023 after holding two titles simultaneously. Harrison won the bantamweight title in June 2025.
How outlets are covering it
MMA Junkie highlights Muhammad's tactical analysis, favoring Nunes' striking over Harrison's grappling. BBC and UFC.com focus on Harrison's psychological recovery and confidence. MMA Fighting notes Nunes' confidence and her ranking of Cyborg as her greatest challenge. All sources agree on the mutual respect between the fighters.
Why it matters
The fight determines the next women's bantamweight champion and potentially settles the GOAT debate in women's MMA. It also tests the viability of a long retirement versus a major injury recovery.
What to watch
The fight is scheduled for November 14, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. Harrison has not confirmed if this will be her final fight, stating she will 'cross that bridge when we get to it.'
- Ex-UFC champ: Amanda Nunes 'a bad matchup' for Kayla Harrison at UFC 334 MMA Junkie
- Inside the tension, suspicion and history behind Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison ESPN
- UFC 334: Kayla Harrison on verge of 'permanent nerve damage' before neck surgery BBC
- Kayla Harrison Is Primed And Ready For Her Dream Fight UFC.com
- Amanda Nunes reveals her toughest opponent and it’s not Kayla Harrison MMA Fighting
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