UFC 324 has taken a significant hit less than two weeks before fight night, throwing the future of Amanda Nunes’ highly anticipated return into uncertainty.
UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison has withdrawn from her scheduled bout against Nunes after suffering a serious neck injury during training camp. Harrison, who captured the title at UFC 316, will undergo surgery to repair the damage and is expected to be sidelined for roughly six months before receiving medical clearance.
The setback leaves the UFC scrambling, with no confirmation yet on whether Nunes will remain on the card or wait for the matchup to be rebooked at a later date. Top contender Norma Dumont has already issued a public callout, offering to step in on short notice at UFC 324.
However, a more surprising name has now entered the conversation.Jake Paul’s superstar teammate and boxing world champion Amanda Serrano has expressed interest in facing UFC Nunes on short notice, despite competing primarily in the boxing ring.
“If UFC and Amanda Nunes are thinking of a replacement, I would love the challenge as I’m still in fight shape,” Serrano wrote Wednesday.“Hope the champ recovers well.”
Serrano began her professional MMA career in April 2018, fighting Corina Herrera to a draw before earning back-to-back submission victories later that year and in 2021. She has not competed in the cage since iKON FC 7 but remains one of the most decorated fighters in combat sports.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest female boxers of all time, Serrano most recently defended her featherweight titles with a win over Reina Tellez on Jan. 3. That victory snapped a two-fight losing streak against longtime rival Katie Taylor and reinforced her status at the elite level.
Meanwhile, reports from The Eagle Tribune, later confirmed by MMA Fighting, revealed that Harrison flew to New York to seek treatment before doctors determined surgery was necessary to address herniated discs in her neck. The UFC is expected to rebook Harrison vs. Nunes, though no timeline has been announced.
The bout was slated to serve as the co-main event of UFC 324, with Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett headlining in an interim lightweight title fight. UFC CEO Dana White had previously described Harrison vs. UFC Nunes as “the greatest women’s fight of all time.”
The matchup carried added intrigue as it marked Nunes’ comeback following her retirement in 2023. The former two-division champion vacated her titles after dominant reigns at bantamweight and featherweight and later announced her intention to return and reclaim the belt she once ruled. The storyline grew deeper given her shared training history with Harrison at American Top Team in Florida.
For now, both fighters must wait as the UFC weighs its options. Whether UFC Nunes remains on the card, faces a short-notice opponent, or waits for Harrison’s recovery remains unclear. Still, Serrano’s willingness to step up under difficult circumstances has added an unexpected twist to an already volatile situation.
