Following Amanda Nunes’ outstanding performance in dominating Irene Aldana at UFC 289, she gracefully exited the octagon, officially retiring from the sport. In a touching gesture, one of the first individuals she acknowledged was Jon Anik, the commentator who had called her final fight.
Reflecting on the experience, Anik expressed his deep appreciation, stating, “It meant the world to me.” Anik and Nunes share a close bond, both residing in South Florida. Prior to the fight, Anik had the privilege of visiting Nunes’ new gym, The Lioness Studio. Instead of merely watching her train, they engaged in a two-and-a-half-hour conversation, during which Nunes effortlessly displayed her skills while leaving Anik feeling connected to her. Therefore, the moment Nunes kissed Anik on the forehead was especially significant to him.
Anik explained, “In my role, my aim is to humanize these athletes and provide a soundtrack to their professional lives, something that their families and friends can be proud of, particularly during those monumental moments, of which Amanda had many. Her gesture of kissing me on the forehead felt like a way of thanking the entire staff involved in the production, not just me. She motioned for me to join her in the octagon, but I understood the limitations and opted to share that special moment from a distance. Ultimately, this is about her.”
Nunes retired as the bantamweight champion, having regained the title after losing it to Julianna Peña. In her final fight, she showcased her dominance against Aldana during the full 25-minute bout. However, there had been uncertainty within the MMA community regarding Nunes’ retirement plans.
Anik shed light on the matter, saying, “She kept her intentions regarding retirement deceptive during the last two weeks leading up to the fight. Even Roger Krahl, who joined us on the Anik & Florian Podcast, only learned of her definite retirement on Wednesday of fight week when he overheard a conversation between Nunes and her long-time MMA coach, Cesar Carneiro, in South Florida. It was a whirlwind week, and I am genuinely thrilled that Amanda was able to exit the sport on her own terms.”
Anik also compared Nunes’ discreet approach to retire to that of renowned athlete Tom Brady, who preferred not to draw excessive attention to his departure from football. Just as Brady did not receive retirement gifts at every stop during his final season due to the uncertainty surrounding it, Nunes opted to maintain focus on the fight rather than publicizing her retirement plans. However, as fight week progressed, rumors began to circulate regarding her potential retirement.
“When I wrote the final locker room bump in my hotel room the night before the fight,” Anik shared, “I included the line, ‘Coming up next from Vancouver, our final act. And might it be the final act in the decorated career of Amanda Nunes?’ At that point, I had a hunch. But I must admit, had she lost to Irene Aldana, she probably would still be fighting.”
At 35 years old, Nunes amassed an impressive record of 16 wins out of 18 fights in the octagon. She became a two-division champion when she knocked out Cris Cyborg at UFC 232 in December 2018, claiming the women’s featherweight title. Nunes held at least one UFC title for nearly six years and first secured the 135-pound title by stopping Miesha Tate at UFC 200 in July 2016. Her remarkable career includes victories over notable opponents such as Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and Valentina Shevchenko, whom she defeated on two separate occasions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Retirement
What was the significance of Amanda Nunes kissing Jon Anik on the forehead after her final fight at UFC 289?
The gesture of Amanda Nunes kissing Jon Anik on the forehead held deep meaning for both of them. They share a close bond and had spent quality time together before the fight. For Jon Anik, it was a special moment, affirming his role in humanizing athletes and providing a soundtrack to their professional lives. Nunes’ action can be seen as a gesture of gratitude not just to Anik but to the entire production staff. Ultimately, the moment was about Nunes and her remarkable career.
Did Jon Anik anticipate Amanda Nunes’ retirement?
While there were rumors surrounding Amanda Nunes’ retirement, Jon Anik was uncertain about her intentions leading up to the fight. Nunes had kept her plans deceptive, and even those close to her, such as Roger Krahl, only learned of her retirement during fight week. It was a whirlwind week, but Anik had inklings that Nunes might retire, especially if she won her final fight. However, had she lost to Irene Aldana, it is likely she would have continued fighting.
What are some highlights of Amanda Nunes’ career?
Amanda Nunes had an illustrious career in the UFC. She won 16 out of 18 fights in the octagon and became a two-division champion by knocking out Cris Cyborg to claim the women’s featherweight title. Nunes held at least one UFC title for nearly six years and achieved significant victories over notable opponents like Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and Valentina Shevchenko. Her achievements and dominance in the bantamweight division made her one of the most celebrated fighters in UFC history.
Is there a chance of Amanda Nunes making a comeback?
Jon Anik believes there is a slim chance of Amanda Nunes returning to the octagon. He estimates a 1 percent chance, mostly if an exceptional bantamweight contender emerges in the next two years and Nunes feels compelled to scratch the competitive itch. However, considering the risks outweighing the rewards, Anik believes Nunes’ retirement is likely permanent. He also suggests that Nina Nunes, Amanda’s partner and a talented fighter herself, may be more inclined to come back as a flyweight in the future.
More about Retirement
- UFC 289: Link to UFC 289 event details
- Amanda Nunes: Link to Amanda Nunes’ UFC profile
- Jon Anik: Link to Jon Anik’s bio
- UFC Titles: Link to UFC title history
- Ronda Rousey: Link to Ronda Rousey’s UFC profile
- Holly Holm: Link to Holly Holm’s UFC profile
- Valentina Shevchenko: Link to Valentina Shevchenko’s UFC profile
1 comment
hey man, this story about amanda nunes and jon anik is so heartwarming. they got a real bond, ya know? nunes kissin’ anik on the forehead, that’s special. shows how close they are. it’s amazin’ how nunes dominated in her final fight. she’s a legend!