Boiling Point: The Lioness
Oftentimes, a fighter’s confidence tends to be like a safe’s lock; it’s firm, and for most, it seems unbreakable. However, once broken, it can never be repaired. Is that the case for the reign of Amanda Nunes?
Juliana Peña didn’t win the first fight against Nunes with skill; she won it with her will. History shows that it is tough for the former champion to regain the title in the immediate rematch, not because of a skill difference, but because of the mental hurdle that lingers when both are locked in the cage, then it’s de Ja Vu all over again.
On twelve different occasions, former champions were given an immediate rematch after losing their belt. What’s fascinating is that only one fighter in UFC history managed to reclaim the belt in the immediate rematch(Deiveson Figueiredo). If we’re going based on this stat, it is highly improbable that Amanda will reclaim what was once hers. However, there’s one difference between Nunes and the rest; she’s the greatest female fighter of all time.
Yes, most former champions lose the immediate rematch. However, the true greats make adjustments, and adjustments lead to different outcomes. Looking back at the UFC’s youthful history, whenever true greats like GSP, Stipe Miocic, or even Cain Velasquez, all these legends became two-time champions because of their ability to analyze and adjust. Amanda Nunes belongs in the same category.
That being said, we learned from the first fight that Juliana can break Nunes with her will and ability to hold her own in a firefight. So, Peña
definitely can score another upset because, in all actuality, even though Nunes is the fighter with the skill advantage, Juliana takes the lead in the mental aspect.
Another fascinating aspect of this contest is that prior to the first fight, Peña did not look that impressive in her last few outings. If anything, she was almost forgotten about due to her lack of activity. Furthermore, she was 2-2 in her previous four, suffering two submission defeats before the first Nunes fight.
There is clarity in the cruelty of a fight. After Saturday night, one fighter’s flight back home will be as lonely as judgment day, while the other fighter will describe the night as the most monumental night of their life. Legacy for both is at stake. Will the Lioness roar once more to triumph, or will the upset-minded Peña replicate history? UFC 277 live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View.
