Amanda Nunes believes Ronda Rousey can come back
Will Ronda Rousey call it a career after two consecutive defeats inside the distance?
Her latest conqueror, Amanda Nunes, changed her tune and doesn't think she has to.
The UFC women's bantamweight champion needed just 50 seconds to take out Rousey at UFC 207, but Nunes is no stranger to octagon setbacks.
She actually was defeated in both her MMA debut – a first-round tapout to Ana Maria India in 2008 – and her UFC debut seven years later with a third-round TKO at the hands of Cat Zingano.
Nunes fine-tuned her game and is now one of the most dangerous women in the sport.
“I already passed this moment in my career. It’s harder to lose but if you be strong, you’ll be able to come back like I did," Nunes told Fox 11 Los Angeles.
"Make some changes, adjust. The passion in her life, the family has to be with her. The base is very important. Make some changes in her camp, move to another gym and come back strong.”
MORE MMA:
UFC Fight Night 103's Ben Saunders says he was in debt before win over Court McGee
B.J. Penn's latest comeback a reminder that the fight game never tires of eating its heroes
Rousey, 29, was roundly criticized for her lack of striking skills after the blowout loss. It was her first fight in over a year, a billed comeback bout following a second-round stoppage to former champion boxer Holly Holm.
The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist wore a deer-in-the-headlights look while Nunes stalked her.
The Brazilian conceded that Rousey was scared after the first jab landed, a tell-take sign the end was near.
However, Rousey stood in the pocket and traded anyway.
“I think it was ego," Nunes, 28, said. "I knew she was gonna try to strike with me and I think that was the completely wrong strategy to fight a girl like me."
No one – perhaps not even Rousey – knows if she'll return to the octagon after a second consecutive brutal defeat.
Rousey appeared at WrestleMania 31, and Vince McMahon surely would welcome her with open arms if she chooses that route.
PHOTOS: Best of UFC 207
