Amanda Nunes: Julianna Pena is next if Ronda Rousey doesn’t return for ‘historic’ fight in New York

RIO DE JANEIRO — Ronda Rousey hasn’t fought since losing her UFC belt to Holly Holm in November, but newly crowned bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes is hoping for her to return to action in November.

Nunes submitted Miesha Tate in the first round at UFC 200 on July 9, and told the media in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that it makes sense to welcome Rousey back in a title fight on Nov. 12, when the UFC will host its first event at Madison Square Garden.

“That’s the fight that makes sense because Ronda was one of the best fighters of all times, and I’m the champion,” Nunes said. “I also made history for my country, and this is a fight that makes sense for that huge event, one of the biggest pay-per-views in the UFC. I will take my country with me, and she will be fighting in her country. I want this fight in New York. It will be historic.”

If Rousey decides not to return this year, Nunes says that Julianna Pena, who beat Cat Zigano at UFC 200, deserves the shot.

“Julianna is on a winning streak now. If …

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