Ex UFC Star Declares "It's Kayla's Time" in Harrison vs. Nunes Prediction
Former strawweight fighter Diana Belbita has an interesting assessment of the upcoming Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes UFC 334 bout.
Two of the greatest women's fighters are set to co-headline UFC 334 for a heavily anticipated bantamweight title clash. Diana Belbita finds herself rooting for Kayla Harrison, even though she can see the clash swing both ways.
Amanda Nunes' Comeback Will Decide Bantamweight Showdown
The former bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes will return to action after over three years this November. Diana Belbita believes the exchanges inside the Octagon will depend heavily on the attitude 'The Lioness' brings and whether she can conjure the version that underscored her dominating reign.
“I feel like everything depends on how Amanda comes back because if we are going to see the vintage Amanda, the one before she decided to retire, then she has a greater chance to win. But if Amanda is not the same, it’s different. As a retired fighter, I know how that feels. Once you are done fighting, you don’t train as much,” Belbita told The Game Plan.
Meanwhile, Kayla Harrison has been much more active recently, winning the division belt last year with a 2nd-round submission against Julianna Pena.
However, one must make note of her neck injury, which initially derailed her title defense against Amanda Nunes in January at UFC 324. While she has since returned to training with full force, the extent of that recovery will definitely shape how the fight ultimately unfolds.
"I may make a bold prediction here, if Kayla Harrison is fully healthy, she has a great chance to win. It’s hard to say that I want her to win instead of Amanda because I love both of those girls and they did so much for the sport. But I think it’s Kayla’s time now, it’s Kayla’s turn," Belbita explained.
Is a Double Retirement On The Cards?
The bantamweight matchup has been making headlines for more than one reason. Beyond the usual former champion-against-reigning champion appeal, speculation about their potential retirements has also dotted the bout.
Amanda Nunes is often considered the greatest women's MMA fighter, with wins against the likes of Ronda Rousey, Valentina Shevchenko, and Cris Cyborg. Harrison, too, has it all in combat sports and more. It only makes sense that both fighters end their careers on a high note after their Madison Square Garden showdown.
However, Belbita has underlined another reason that might influence the retirement decision.
“I feel like Kayla will retire soon because I know the weight cut takes a big toll on her body. And it’s hard to keep cutting the weight,” the Romanian explained.
In fact, there seems to be some confirmation from Harrison's teammate, Yana Santos, on the short spell left in the American fighter's MMA career. But it's not just the former strawweight UFC star speculating about that move. UFC analysts like Ariel Helwani have shared similar sentiments, expecting a "double retirement" clash.
Clearly, with a bout that may decide how fans view their career long after the dust has settled, both ladies have a lot on the line ahead of their anticipated UFC 334 showdown.
