UFC 277: Amanda Nunes explains why she didn't finish Julianna Pena

Amanda Nunes has explained why she opted not to finish Julianna Pena at UFC 277 last weekend.

In the main event of UFC 277 on Saturday night, Amanda Nunes proved to the world why she’s considered by many to be the greatest female fighter of all time. We all saw what happened when Pena ‘bullied the bully’ at UFC 269 on that famous night last December, but this time around, ‘The Lioness’ wasn’t about to let lightning strike twice.

Outside of an armbar attempt in the fourth round, Pena never really came close to causing Nunes any kind of real problems. Instead, the Brazilian was patient, dominant and as emphatic as she’s ever been in making it clear that she is still the woman to beat at 135 pounds.

The bout eventually went to a decision with Nunes taking home the victory on the scorecards but as it turns out, according to the champ herself, she could’ve finished it earlier than that if she so desired.

“I know Julianna’s tough,” Nunes said. “I know. I was ready for that. I could’ve finished her, but I wanted to go five rounds with her tonight to prove I was better than her. I’m better than her. I proved it tonight.”

“Tonight proved that [UFC 269] was a lucky day for her,” Nunes said. “If she needed to become a champion like that – she had her time, but now it’s over.”

“It was a war tonight,” Nunes said. “I expected to come out with something, but it’s going to be fine.”

Whereas Julianna Pena needs to go back to the drawing board and figure out what to do next, Amanda Nunes is set to take some time off before returning at the end of the year or at the start of 2023.

The 34-year-old once again holds the gold in two weight classes but given the lack of depth at 145, you’d have to think she’ll aim to defend the bantamweight