Demetrious Johnson Advises Kayla Harrison to Retire Instead of Facing Amanda Nunes in UFC Superfight

 The MMA world is buzzing after UFC 316, where newly crowned women's bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison set up what could be the biggest women's MMA superfight in recent memory. However, UFC legend Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson has surprising advice for Harrison: retire while on top instead of risking it all against Amanda Nunes.

Demetrious Johnson Advises Kayla Harrison to Retire Instead of Facing Amanda Nunes in UFC Superfight

Kayla Harrison's Historic UFC 316 Victory Creates Superfight Buzz

Following her dominant performance at UFC 316, Kayla Harrison solidified her position as the new UFC women's bantamweight champion. The post-fight faceoff with retired legend Amanda Nunes has set the stage for what many consider the most anticipated women's MMA bout in modern times.

Harrison's credentials speak for themselves - she's an Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016), World Championship winner (2010), and accomplished judoka with a 6th-degree black belt. Like Henry "Triple C" Cejudo, she now holds the rare distinction of being both an Olympic champion and UFC titleholder.

Demetrious Johnson's Controversial Retirement Advice

During his regular UFC 316 breakdown on his "MIGHTY" podcast, former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson offered unexpected counsel to Harrison:

"If I was Kayla Harrison, I would retire from the sport... Don't fight Amanda Nunes... The talent pool Amanda Nunes has fought, blows everything Kayla Harrison had done in her entire career."

Johnson's reasoning centers on Amanda Nunes' legacy and the level of competition she's faced throughout her career. He believes Nunes wouldn't need to come out of retirement for this fight, suggesting it might be "easy" for the former two-division champion.

Kayla Harrison's Classy Response to Retirement Suggestion

Harrison responded to Johnson's advice with characteristic grace and confidence, posting on social media:

"Big fan of Mighty. Bigger believer in myself."

This measured response showcases Harrison's respect for the UFC legend while maintaining confidence in her abilities to compete at the highest level.

The Amanda Nunes Connection: Team ATT History

The potential Harrison vs. Nunes superfight carries additional intrigue due to their shared history at American Top Team (ATT). Both fighters trained together, with Nunes revealing that their sparring sessions influenced her decision to retire in 2023.

Behind-the-Scenes Sparring Revelations

Harrison recently opened up about their training sessions at ATT, admitting that Nunes got the better of her during their sparring encounters. However, she's confident that the dynamic would be different in an official bout, especially given her improved conditioning and weight cut to 135 pounds.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Harrison revealed:

"I came down to visit and I sparred with her actually, on day two... It went good, she kicked my a** but one of us stopped after two rounds, so."

Why This Fight Makes Sense for Both Fighters

For Amanda Nunes:

• Opportunity to cement her legacy as the women's MMA GOAT
• High-profile return fight against a legitimate threat
• Chance to settle their training camp rivalry definitively

For Kayla Harrison:

• Biggest possible test of her UFC career
• Opportunity to defeat the consensus women's MMA GOAT
• Platform to establish herself as the new face of women's MMA

UFC's Interest in the Superfight

UFC President Dana White has shown clear interest in making this fight happen. His positive reaction to Harrison's UFC debut and subsequent championship win, combined with Nunes' post-fight interaction, suggests the promotion is eager to capitalize on this natural storyline.

Timeline and Potential Obstacles

Several factors could impact the timeline for this potential superfight:

Current Challenges:

• Harrison may need time to recover from her UFC 316 performance
• Nunes has been retired since June 2023 and may need time to prepare
• Potential weight class considerations (135 vs. 145 pounds)

Projected Timeline:

The fight would likely take place in early 2026, giving both fighters adequate preparation time.

Alternative Contenders and Division Landscape

While the Harrison-Nunes superfight dominates headlines, other bantamweight contenders remain in the mix:

• Julianna Peña: Former champion seeking a title shot despite recent inconsistency (3-3 in last six fights)
• Raquel Pennington: Former champion with legitimate claims to a rematch
• Rising contenders looking to establish themselves in the division

The Bigger Picture: Women's MMA Evolution

This potential superfight represents more than just two elite fighters competing - it symbolizes the evolution and growth of women's MMA. Harrison's Olympic pedigree combined with Nunes' established legacy creates a compelling narrative that transcends typical championship fights.

Expert Analysis: Should Harrison Take the Fight?

While Demetrious Johnson advocates for retirement, most MMA analysts believe Harrison should pursue the Nunes fight for several reasons:

Arguments For the Fight:

• Peak earning potential at the height of her career
• Opportunity to defeat the women's MMA GOAT
• Natural conclusion to their training camp rivalry
• Potential to become the biggest women's MMA fight ever

Arguments Against:

• Risk of losing to a more experienced, elite-level competitor
• Potential damage to her perfect UFC record
• Johnson's point about the level of competition Nunes has faced

A Fight That Defines Legacies

Despite Demetrious Johnson's well-intentioned advice, Kayla Harrison appears determined to pursue the Amanda Nunes superfight. Her confident response to Johnson's suggestion and continued callouts of Nunes indicate she's ready to risk her perfect record for the chance at MMA immortality.

This potential bout represents everything great about combat sports - elite athletes willing to test themselves against the best competition available. Whether Harrison heeds Johnson's advice or pursues the superfight, her decision will significantly impact both her legacy and the future of women's MMA.

The MMA community eagerly awaits official confirmation of this dream matchup, which promises to deliver the biggest women's MMA event in recent memory.