Johnson Weighs In: Why Amanda Nunes Could Be Kayla Harrison’s Kryptonite
The MMA world is buzzing after Kayla Harrison’s impressive UFC bantamweight title victory, but one of the sport’s greatest minds thinks she might have met her match in Amanda Nunes. Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, widely regarded as one of the most technically brilliant fighters ever, believes the former champion presents serious problems for Harrison’s fighting style.
Let me break down this fascinating potential matchup that has fight fans everywhere talking.
Why DJ Thinks Nunes Has the Edge
When a GOAT candidate like Demetrious Johnson speaks, I listen. The flyweight legend recently shared his analysis of how a Harrison-Nunes fight might play out, and his reasoning makes perfect sense.
“Amanda’s striking is on another level compared to what Kayla has faced,” Johnson explained. “Plus, Nunes has dealt with Olympic-caliber grapplers before and shown she can keep fights standing when she wants to.”
What makes this take particularly interesting is how it cuts against the current Harrison hype. After watching her dominate Raquel Pennington to claim UFC gold, many fans have already coronated Harrison as the division’s unstoppable force.
Breaking Down the Stylistic Matchup
Harrison (19-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has been nearly flawless in her MMA career, using her Olympic judo background to ragdoll opponents. But Nunes presents unique challenges:
- Superior striking range and power
- Excellent takedown defense (74% career average)
- Championship experience against diverse styles
- Proven cardio in five-round fights
I’ve watched every second of both fighters’ UFC careers, and there’s something about Amanda’s explosive athleticism that could neutralize Harrison’s grappling advantage in ways other opponents simply couldn’t.
The Grappling Question
Can Harrison get Nunes to the ground? That’s the million-dollar question. Kayla’s judo throws work best in the clinch, but entering that range against someone with Nunes’ counter-striking ability is playing with fire.
“If Kayla can’t secure takedowns early, she might find herself in waters she’s never had to navigate,” Johnson noted.
| Fighter | Striking Accuracy | Takedown Success | Submission Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kayla Harrison | 52% | 75% | 7 |
| Amanda Nunes | 62% | 41% | 4 |
Will We Actually See This Fight?
The timing couldn’t be more interesting. With Nunes technically retired but still in the USADA testing pool, rumors have swirled about a potential return. UFC president Dana White has repeatedly hinted he believes Amanda isn’t done, and this matchup could be exactly what lures the two-division champion back.
Harrison hasn’t been shy about calling for the fight either, telling media at the post-fight press conference: “I have nothing but respect for Amanda, but I believe I’m the best in the world. I want to prove it against the best.”
What This Means for Women’s MMA
This potential clash represents everything great about where women’s MMA stands in 2024. Two dominant champions with contrasting styles, both with Olympic-level athletic backgrounds, potentially facing off in what would easily be the biggest women’s fight in UFC history.
The technical chess match alone would be worth the price of admission. Can Harrison’s world-class judo overcome Nunes’ devastating striking and well-rounded game? Or will DJ’s prediction prove accurate?
The Bottom Line
While Harrison looked unstoppable against Pennington, Mighty Mouse Johnson’s analysis reminds us that styles make fights. The same takedowns that worked against previous opponents might not be as effective against someone with Nunes’ defensive wrestling and counterstriking ability.
Whether this dream matchup materializes remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: the women’s bantamweight division hasn’t been this exciting in years.
What do you think? Does Johnson have it right, or is Harrison ready to defeat anyone in her path? Let me know in the comments!
Source: Gannett/USA Today Sports Images