The former two-division UFC champion, Amanda Nunes, who retired in 2023 after defending her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana, is now coming back to the organization after two years of retirement. Now, “The Lioness” has taken a major step toward her UFC comeback, officially re-entering the drug testing pool as confirmed by the UFC Anti-Doping Program’s latest update. Nunes’ return to the testing pool, marked by her first registered test session in over two years, is a sign of the first logistical hurdle in welcoming Nunes back to the UFC.
Kayla Harrison Open to Waive Drug Testing Rule for Amanda Nunes UFC Return 'For a Small Fee' originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The former two-division UFC champion, Amanda Nunes, who retired in 2023 after defending her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana, is now coming back to the organization after two years of retirement. She is on track to face newly crowned champion Kayla Harrison in one of the most anticipated women’s MMA fights in history.
Now, “The Lioness” has taken a major step toward her UFC comeback, officially re-entering the drug testing pool as confirmed by the UFC Anti-Doping Program’s latest update.
Nunes’ return to the testing pool, marked by her first registered test session in over two years, is a sign of the first logistical hurdle in welcoming Nunes back to the UFC.
Timing for the potential superfight against Harrison has still not been decided, but Nunes’ recent entry into the testing pool would make the earliest possible date in 2026.
While the UFC’s anti-doping policy typically requires fighters to undergo six months of random testing before competing, Harrison has openly offered to waive the requirement.
During a Q&A at UFC 318’s ceremonial weigh-ins, Harrison declared, “I’m ready to whoop Amanda’s ass…I would waive that [six-month requirement] for a small fee. I’m ready to fight. Fighters fight.”
Dana White has yet to confirm details, but the fight’s significance, pitting the consensus women’s MMA GOAT against an Olympic judoka turned UFC champion, makes it a prime candidate for a marquee slot at the proposed UFC White House event next year.
With Nunes now in the testing pool and Harrison eager to defend her title, the UFC must decide whether to enforce the six-month rule or expedite a fight that could redefine the sport’s landscape.
Related: Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison: Biggest Women's MMA Fight Ever?
Related: Former UFC Title Challenger Comments on Opponent's Failed Drug Test
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
