UFC 277: Julianna Pena Vs Amanda Nunes Press Conference
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Vladimir Vladisavljevic
Julianna Pena pulled out one of the greatest upsets in the history of the sport by stopping Amanda Nunes in the first fight, plus both of them coached during the TUF season, so there’s a lot of back and forth between the two.
Fight week rolls on with the third installment of #UFC277 Embedded!
The beef is going to be squashed at the UFC 277 press conference, which is set to go down on Thursday.
Where To Watch UFC 277 Press Conference?
You can enjoy the word war between the Octagon warriors at the UFC-Ultimate Fighting Championship official YouTube channel. The Julianna Pena Vs Amanda Nunes press conference is going to start at 6 PM ET (midnight CET).
UFC 277 News – Media Day
The UFC 277 Dallas media day went down on Wednesday, and NYFights exclusively brings you its most entertaining moments.
The former division champion Amanda Nunes seemed excited by the rivalry, but she called Julianna Pena “weird”. It is understandable, as Pena said she’d prove “whose ovaries are bigger”. In case you don’t know, Pena is the mum of a kid, while Nunes also has a child with her partner and UFC fighter Nina Ansaroff.
Kai Kara France is not interested in playing games in the Brandon Moreno rematch, while the confident Mexican doesn’t plan to wait with an interim title win.
Sergei Pavlovich believes Derrick Lewis is “unpredictable”, while Lewis looked very relaxed at the presser and joked around with the MMA media, claiming he “plans to buy UFC”.
Alex Perez said he accepted Alexandre Pantoja’s bout because he was sick of waiting, while Pantoja hopes to get a title shot with a win in this match.
Magomed Ankalaev criticized Prochazka’s title victory over Glover Teixeira, while Anthony Smith is shocked at the public’s view of Ankalaev’s fight. Magomed is a heavy -475 favorite, so one could understand Smith’s frustrations.
UFC 277 Dallas Press Conference – The Most Entertaining Moments
Here are the most eye-catching moments from the UFC presser. You can check the highlights below.
NOTE: ALL THE TRANSCRIPTS ARE TAKEN FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE OFFICIAL VIDEO
Julianna Pena
When asked about Nunes not being 100% in their first fight, the champ Julianna Pena offered a funny response.
“It’s frustrating, you know. They said that she slipped on a banana peel and that’s why she lost that night. But that’s not the case, and that’s what we’re doing here. We’re going to run it back and do it again, and maybe you guys will finally put some respect on my name.”
The champ was unable to notice Nunes’ “aura”.
“Fedor Emelianenko has an aura. Mike Tyson, Dana White – they have auras. I don’t know about this aura you speak of on Amanda Nunes. I’m not seeing it.”
Yet, when it comes to fighting prediction, Pena is ready to do everything to defend her strap.
“I’m going to punch, kick, pull her hair. I’m going to bite her. I’m going to gouge her eyeballs out, if I have to. I’m literally going to do everything in there. Trust me when I say that I’m willing to die and do whatever it takes. I’m going to do whatever it takes.”
Amanda Nunes
Pena promised she’ll fight toe-to-toe with the 135-pound division ex-champ. Here’s Nunes’ response.
“She can say whatever she wants. We’re here, and Saturday I’m going to be 100 percent, and I’m going to beat her. Saturday is my opportunity to get my belt back. I’m going to be the double champion again Saturday.”
Julianna Pena accused Nunes of spying on her training sessions during the TUF season. Here’s what the former double champ commented.
“One time, I walked in and saw her training – yeah. What’s the problem in that? One time. I walked in, saw, and OK – went to my locker room. It was an accident.”
Nunes plans to bring some changes into the fight compared to her first fight against Pena, where she lost via 2nd round stoppage.
“Saturday, I just have to be precise with my shots. Of course, everyone makes mistakes, and I made one. But I adjusted and got everything tight and sharp.”
Kai-Kara France
The New Zealander has already met Brandon Moreno in 2019 when he suffered a loss. But according to the Kiwi fighter, there is a lot of difference between Kai from 2019 and Kai from 2022.
“The Kai that fought Brandon back in 2019 isn’t the same Kai that’s standing in front of you today. I’ve got so much more experience now. Being a father, being a husband, I’ve got more purpose and I’m just on another level. Congrats for Brandon for what he’s done since we fought, going on to win the title. I’m a long way from home, but I’ll show you why I’m the best in the world.”
What kind of fight does Kai expect and what is the most dangerous weapon of the Mexican fighter?
“Brandon’s most dangerous weapon is his mindset. This guy’s a dog. I expect it to be a dogfight. Come Saturday, we’ll find out.”
Kai-Kara France trains with Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski, and it seems the two influenced a young gun and a potential title winner on Saturday.
“I’ve got great teammates, great world champions – Israel (Adesanya) and Alex (Volkanovski). But I’ve got my own belt to win. I put myself in this position. I earned this. I didn’t just sit back and wait for my title shot. I went out there and showed everyone why I’m the next contender. I’ve been on this journey for over 10 years now, and I just feel like it’s my time.”
Brandon Moreno
Here’s what the ex-champ expects from another fight with Kai Kara-France.
“Last fight was very exciting. I’m not expecting some crazy change, talking about the excitement. He’s a guy who loves to go forward and loves to put pressure (on) and throw the right hand. I prepared myself for another war. I’m ready for whatever.”
Moreno doesn’t want to think much about Deiveson Figueiredo’s fight, he is focused on defeating Kai first.
“I have too much respect for Kai. I don’t know nothing bout Deiveson Figueiredo. Let me win this fight this Saturday, and we can talk about it.”