Dana White, the president of the UFC, suggests that the women’s featherweight division may come to an end with Amanda Nunes’ retirement. Nunes, a two-division champion, recently announced her retirement after successfully defending her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in Vancouver. White expressed the possibility of closing the 145-pound division during the post-fight conference.
While acknowledging that no immediate decisions have been made, White stated, “The answer is probably yes,” when asked about the potential closure of the division. Nunes personally informed White of her retirement after the fight, prompting him to consider the feasibility of ending the division. He admitted that it would make sense given the circumstances.
The UFC has not yet determined who will vie for the vacant women’s bantamweight championship title. The promotion introduced the women’s featherweight division after signing Cris Cyborg, with Germaine de Randamie becoming its first champion in 2017. However, de Randamie was later stripped of the belt, and Cyborg went on to claim and defend the title twice before eventually losing to Nunes.
Since 2017, Nunes has moved between weight classes to defend her titles on multiple occasions. However, due to a shortage of contracted featherweight fighters, the UFC has not been able to establish an official 145-pound rankings system. The promotion even conducted a season of The Ultimate Fighter in the past in an attempt to recruit featherweight competitors, but most of them have either left the division or are no longer associated with the UFC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about women’s featherweight division
What is the potential fate of the women’s featherweight division in the UFC?
The potential fate of the women’s featherweight division in the UFC is uncertain. UFC President Dana White indicated that the division could be closed following Amanda Nunes’ retirement. While no official decision has been made, it is likely that the division may end due to a lack of contracted featherweight fighters and the inability to establish a proper rankings system.
Who is Amanda Nunes and why is her retirement significant?
Amanda Nunes is a highly accomplished mixed martial artist who has held titles in two weight divisions in the UFC: bantamweight and featherweight. Her retirement is significant because she is widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. Nunes’ dominance and ability to successfully defend her titles have made her an iconic figure in women’s MMA.
How has the women’s featherweight division in the UFC fared since its inception?
The women’s featherweight division in the UFC has faced challenges since its establishment. Despite signing notable fighters like Cris Cyborg and crowning Germaine de Randamie as the first champion, the division has struggled to attract and retain enough fighters to build a competitive roster. The lack of depth and difficulty in establishing an official rankings system have been ongoing issues.
What impact could the potential closure of the women’s featherweight division have on the UFC?
The potential closure of the women’s featherweight division could have several impacts on the UFC. It would mean the end of a weight class for female fighters, potentially limiting opportunities for athletes competing in that division. It could also lead to a reallocation of resources and a shift in focus towards weight classes that have demonstrated greater depth and popularity in women’s MMA.
What other weight classes has Amanda Nunes competed in?
Amanda Nunes has primarily competed in two weight classes: bantamweight (135 pounds) and featherweight (145 pounds). She has achieved remarkable success in both divisions, capturing and defending titles in each. Nunes has showcased her versatility and skill by moving between weight classes to take on formidable opponents and solidify her status as a two-division champion.
More about women’s featherweight division
- UFC Official Website
- Amanda Nunes’ UFC Profile
- UFC Women’s Featherweight Division
- Dana White’s Official Twitter
- Cris Cyborg’s UFC Profile
- Germaine de Randamie’s UFC Profile
- The Ultimate Fighter Official Website
