
When Amanda Nunes meets Ronda Rousey at UFC 207 before the year ends, it’s a story of champion versus challenger. Yet you couldn’t tell by just looking at the UFC’s promotion who actually holds the belt.
Despite the “Lioness” being the true legitimate UFC women’s bantamweight titleholder, the story has been largely about the return of Rousey. Rousey, of course, was the first to hold the title, railing off six stellar wins before she met her match in Holly Holm.
After a year outside of the public eye, Rousey is set to resurface at the UFC’s year-ender. It’s a highly-anticipated return for one of MMA’s biggest stars.
Nunes, however, is terribly irked by the lack of respect she has received from the promotion. She recently aired out her frustrations, talking about how the UFC has protected Rousey.
Amanda Nunes Says Ronda Rousey Is A Protected Fighter
“I feel like UFC want to make it easy for [Rousey], so she doesn’t feel like she’s not the champion anymore,” Nunes said.
“They want to do this to make her feel strong or something. They try to promote her so she can see that – ‘Ronda, Ronda, Ronda.”
Remaining unfazed, Nunes is set to enter the Octagon with the underdog label despite her being the recognized champion. To Nunes however, Rousey is just another challenger.
“But she knows she is the challenger, I am the champion. Nobody can change this. Nobody can make Ronda the champion. She is not the champion anymore,” said Nunes.
Nunes Says The UFC Is Trying To Make Things Easy For Rousey
“They want to make things more soft for her.”
What Nunes has stated is close to factual. The UFC does indeed have an inclination towards promoting Rousey, and it shows. Just take a look at the UFC 207 promotional video and it’s all Ronda Rousey. The clip details Rousey’s return to the limelight.
Nunes is fine though, if you ask her, she’s just focused on the fight.
“I’m OK with it. The only thing I look for in my career is to stay busy, have the belt, be the champion,” said Nunes.
“Whatever they want to do with Ronda, they do. She promotes well, sells a lot of pay per views, and that helps me, too.”