UFC 324 was supposed to kick off 2026 with a double dose of star power—not just a main event, but a co-main that felt just as significant. Kayla Harrison, defending her belt against a returning legend, Amanda Nunes, had everything: a new champion, an all-time great, and the constant tension of Harrison’s brutal cut to bantamweight.
UFC 324 was supposed to kick off 2026 with a double dose of star power—not just a main event, but a co-main that felt just as significant. Kayla Harrison, defending her belt against a returning legend, Amanda Nunes, had everything: a new champion, an all-time great, and the constant tension of Harrison’s brutal cut to bantamweight.
Then the rug got pulled, as ‘Doug’ apparently suffered a neck injury that requires surgery, and UFC officials have officially declared the Nunes fight “postponed.” The most anticipated storyline on the card was suddenly put on hold, and Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong was promoted to co-main event status. However, there is a silver lining, as a boxing legend has just entered the conversation.
Amanda Serrano offers the UFC the boldest replacement idea possible
The postponement left an unsettling void aroundAmanda Nunes. Her return against Kayla Harrison was meant to be the emotional engine of UFC 324, but when it was canceled, fans wondered whether the UFC would keep ‘The Lioness’ on the date with someone else or arrange an alternative opponent for a later date.
That’s when Amanda Serrano jumped in with the kind of post that makes you reread it twice. “If UFC and Amanda Nunes are thinking of a replacement, I would love the challenge, as I’m still in fight shape,” Serrano wrote on X. Hope the champ recovers well.”
On paper, it’s an unusual request: one of boxing’s greatest champions volunteering to fight the GOAT of women’s MMA in the UFC on short notice. However, Serrano swiftly followed up to ensure that it didn’t sound like arrogance. “This isn’t to disrespect Amanda Nunes. I think she’s the GOAT of MMA,” she wrote, while still emphasizing what makes the idea interesting.
“I also know she has incredible hands & loves to use them,” she wrote on X, suggesting that if there’s one area where this crossover can feel competitive quickly, it’s the striking exchanges. ‘The Real Deal’ also didn’t present herself as someone who was playing pretend. The 37-year-old reminded everyone that she had previously competed in MMA and jiu-jitsu and continues to keep those tools alive.
The boxer, who is 2-0-1 in MMA, further revealed that she has been training regularly with her nephew Jovan, the captain of his varsity wrestling team, and that she enjoys kicking and has never stopped working on it. Still, it is less likely for the UFC to bring in a short-notice challenger from outside the roster for a legend’s comeback, especially when the original plan is only delayed rather than scrapped.
With Kayla Harrison set to be out for six months, the UFC has chosen to postpone the superfight and reschedule it later. However, it’s interesting to see how the return of Amanda Nunes is attracting big names from other realms now, especially after Harrison and her manager constantly expressed doubt over her comeback.
Kayla Harrison’s prediction about Amanda Nunes goes awkwardly wrong
The postponement comes with a cruel twist of irony. Amanda Nunes’ comeback tale continues to gain attention, even pulling in bold callouts like Amanda Serrano’s. However, it is worth noting that the loudest skepticism about ‘The Lioness’ ever making it to UFC 324 came from the same side that ended up forcing the delay.
‘Doug’ openly questioned Amanda Nunes’ ability to make 135 after such a long layoff. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani show, she cited previous pullouts and struggles as reasons she didn’t completely trust the return timeline. She said, I’m not convinced she makes 135 pounds. I’m not worried, but I’ve definitely (thought about it). We’ve seen her pull out of main events before; we’ve seen her have issues and struggles.”
Ali Abdelaziz pushed it even further on Submission Radio. He stated bluntly, “I don’t know if Amanda will show up; that’s why I was asking the UFC, ‘Please have a backup.” He characterized the entire comeback as being motivated by attention and ego, even stating Nunes didn’t like seeing Kayla Harrison take over the spotlight that had previously belonged to her. And as things stand, the trash talk going wrong will be the least of their worries.
According to Daniel Cormier, Harrison’s injury could be more serious than we know. What does the UFC do with Amanda Nunes then? Cormier advocated for indefinite postponement of this superfight, as opposed to a replacement opponent or even an interim title bout for Nunes. Amanda Serrano was not the only one who threw her hat in the ring. Norma Dumont had also reportedly offered to step in.
If Nunes takes a replacement bout and loses, Harrison loses her big legacy fight. But for the moment, she can rest easy knowing that the UFC is officially shelving the UFC 324 bout. We should get a better picture of the Nunes vs. Harrison bout in the coming days.
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Category: General Sports
