Two-division champion Amanda Nunes will make the first defense of her women’s featherweight championship on Saturday when she battles Felicia Spencer in the main event of UFC 250 at the company’s Apex facility in Las Vegas.
Nunes (19-4), widely seen as the best women’s MMA fighter of all time, comes into the bout as a significant favorite, with few pundits giving Spencer (8-1) much of a chance against the champion.
Nunes Making History with Every Fight
The 32-year-old Nunes has already defeated most of the top names in the relatively short history of women’s MMA. She finished off both Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey in less than a round back in 2016, and has done the same to Cris Cyborg and Holly Holm in recent years. Nunes hasn’t lost since 2014.
That leaves the Brazilian champion with little left to prove, other than to build an even greater legacy moving forward.
“I will get this one for sure. There is no doubt in my mind. I’m going to do my job and make some history,†Nunes told Yahoo Sports. “This is going to be the first [woman] to defend titles in two weight classes. History, you know? Now, when I fight, I’m making history.â€
That leaves Spencer in the position of spoiler heading into UFC 250. Spencer has faced high-quality opposition before: she fought Cyborg last year, losing a clear unanimous decision, but proving her toughness by going the full three rounds.
Spencer: ‘I’ve Earned My Spot’
That remains Spencer’s only loss. She came back with a win over Zarah Fairn dos Santos in February, earning her a shot at the champion. And while Nunes presents an even bigger challenge than Cyborg, Spencer thinks her experience last year will help her in the Octagon on Saturday.
“I’ve earned my spot here,†Spencer told MMA Fighting. “I understand where people come from, especially if they’re not following the sport. I understand the division that I’m in is different and unique. All I stress about is what I can control, which is putting on a great performance and making people want to see me fight. That’s what I always try to do.â€
UFC 250 Odds (Main Card)
- Amanda Nunes (-800) vs. Felicia Spencer (+530)
- Raphael Assuncao (+122) vs. Cody Garbrandt (-148)
- Aljamain Sterling (-118) vs. Cory Sandhagen (-104)
- Neil Magny (-148) vs. Anthony Rocco Martin (+122)
- Eddie Wineland (+350) vs. Sean O’Malley (-480)
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
As of Thursday afternoon, FanDuel Sportsbook listed Nunes as a -800 favorite over Spencer (+530). It’s easy to see why: Nunes should dominate the striking battle, and it’s easy to see the champion scoring a quick knockout as a result. Spencer has proven she can absorb tremendous punishment, but unless she can find a way to take control of the fight – perhaps in the clinch – Nunes appears to have all the paths to victory.
While the main event may have a lopsided feel to it, the rest of the UFC 250 card features some intriguing matchups. The co-main event sees bantamweights Cody Garbrandt (11-3) and Raphael Assuncao (27-7) battle in a top-10 clash. Garbrandt (-148) enters as the favorite, but Assuncao (+122) may prove to be a tough test despite his current two-fight losing streak.