After nearly three years away from the octagon, Germaine de Randamie is gearing up for a triumphant return, and she has her sights set on becoming a UFC champion once again. This time, however, her motivation goes beyond personal glory – it’s about setting an example for her newly expanded family.
De Randamie, the former UFC featherweight champion, temporarily stepped away from fighting to embrace motherhood, welcoming her son into the world in March. This fulfilled a lifelong dream for her, and it’s evident that it has given her a renewed sense of purpose when it comes to her MMA career.
“I am complete. I’m absolutely complete now,” de Randamie passionately expressed to MMA Hook. “It was my dream since I was a little girl. I never dreamed of becoming a world champion or whatever, but to become a mom, and it finally happened. For me now, I’m the happiest person alive. I’m blessed. Everyday’s a joy.”
This newfound sense of fulfillment has reshaped her approach to fighting. She no longer fights out of necessity but out of genuine love for the sport and a desire to make her son proud. De Randamie recognizes that nothing in life should be taken for granted, and she wants her child to see the value of hard work and determination.
While de Randamie was away from the octagon, she wasn’t completely disconnected from the world of UFC. She closely followed recent developments, especially as she planned her comeback. With Amanda Nunes retired, the bantamweight title remained vacant, leaving fans and fighters alike wondering when it would be up for grabs again.
De Randamie, who boasts victories over both Julianna Pena and Raquel Pennington, two fighters often mentioned as potential title contenders, sees this as the perfect time to reenter the scene. “I know I’m not in the position to ask for any of that,” she admitted, “but I’m also the only fighter left in the UFC that beat them both, so yeah, I feel like I can beat them both now. The title is what I’m going for.”
However, Dana White, the UFC president, hasn’t committed to any concrete plans for crowning a new bantamweight champion. De Randamie doesn’t anticipate being immediately included in a title fight, but she believes that an impressive win upon her return could swiftly change that narrative. Her goal is to return to the octagon by December, and she’s already deep into her training camp.
When it comes to potential opponents, de Randamie’s preferences are clear. “In an ideal world, [I would fight] Julianna Pena or Raquel Pennington,” she said. “But like I said, I’m not in the position to ask for anybody, and I’m never the person to do that.”
Yet, if the UFC wants an exciting showdown, she suggests a fight with Pannie Kianzad. De Randamie emphasizes that both she and Kianzad prefer striking battles over grappling, promising a thrilling contest that fans would relish.
Assuming a successful return to the octagon, de Randamie’s focus in 2024 will be solely on the title. Whether it’s Pena, Pennington, Kianzad, or another contender, she’s open to all challenges and is eager for a packed schedule in the near future.
“Let’s make it happen,” de Randamie declared. “That’s what I’m shooting for. I’m going to give it my all in my comeback fight. I know I have to deliver. That’s my focus. I’ve got to deliver and make sure everybody knows I’m still there and I’m coming for [the title].” With this determination and newfound purpose, Germaine de Randamie’s return to the octagon promises to be an electrifying journey that fans won’t want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC Comeback
Q: When did Germaine de Randamie take a break from fighting, and why?
A: Germaine de Randamie took a break from fighting for nearly three years, starting after her last fight. The reason for her hiatus was to prioritize starting a family, and she fulfilled this dream by giving birth to her son in March.
Q: How has becoming a mother impacted Germaine de Randamie’s perspective on her MMA career?
A: Motherhood has given Germaine de Randamie a new sense of purpose in her MMA career. She now fights not out of necessity but because of her genuine love for the sport and a desire to make her son proud.
Q: Who are the potential contenders for the vacant UFC bantamweight title?
A: The two fighters most frequently mentioned as potential contenders for the vacant UFC bantamweight title are Julianna Pena and Raquel Pennington.
Q: What is Germaine de Randamie’s stance on fighting for the UFC title again?
A: Germaine de Randamie is eager to fight for the UFC bantamweight title again. She believes she can beat the potential contenders and is willing to accept the opportunity if offered by the UFC.
Q: How does Germaine de Randamie view her chances of being immediately included in a title fight?
A: Germaine de Randamie doesn’t anticipate being immediately included in a title fight. However, she believes that a strong performance in her comeback fight could change that situation quickly.
Q: Whom does Germaine de Randamie suggest as a potential opponent for an exciting showdown?
A: Germaine de Randamie suggests Pannie Kianzad as a potential opponent for an exciting striking battle. Both fighters prefer stand-up fighting, promising an engaging contest.
Q: What are Germaine de Randamie’s plans for 2024 regarding the UFC title?
A: In 2024, Germaine de Randamie plans to focus entirely on competing for the UFC bantamweight title. She is open to facing various contenders and hopes for a busy schedule in the coming year.
More about UFC Comeback
- Germaine de Randamie’s MMA Profile
- UFC Bantamweight Division
- Amanda Nunes Retirement Announcement
- Julianna Pena UFC Profile
- Raquel Pennington UFC Profile
- Pannie Kianzad UFC Profile
