Retired UFC ‘GOAT’ stuns MMA fans by hinting at shock return less than a year after hanging up gloves

UFC icon Amanda Nunes has stunningly opened the door to an octagon return – less than a YEAR after retiring.

The former women’s bantam and featherweight champion walked away from the sport last June after regaining the 135lbs title in her rematch with Julian Pena at UFC 289.

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Amanda Nunes retired from MMA last June after beating Juliana Pena at UFC 289[/caption]

But the greatest female mixed martial artist of all time is considering returning to the cageGETTY

Spending as much time as possible with her young family – as well as the wear and tear of her gruelling Hall-of-Fame career – was the primary motivator for Nunes calling it a day.

But The Lioness – who is widely considered to be the greatest female mixed martial artist ever – has hinted she could make a roaring return to the cage in the near future.

The Brazilian told ESPN: “I’m still young, fresh. We never know [what could happen. We have a lot of things to do.

“I’ve got to figure out a bunch of things at home still, what I’m going to do and see what happens.

“I don’t know, we never know. I’m a fighter and this is my job. I love this so much, and I don’t know.

“I enjoy as well not being in the gym every day and having a normal life, stay home a little bit and be lazy.

“But I’m still healthy and powerful, smart, think like a champion. I still feel like a champion, so we’ll see.”

MMA fans were left stunned by Nunes’ admission, with one saying: “Come on then Lioness.”

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Raquel Pennington claimed the vacant women’s bantamweight title at UFC 297[/caption]

Another said: “Come on back Amanda.”

And another said: “Please come back.”

One remarked: “The division needs her.”

Another chimed in: “Sounds good. Need that division with excitement.”

Nunes made the revelation backstage at UFC 297 in Toronto, where she was cageside to watch Raquel Pennington claim the vacant bantamweight title with a decision win over Mayra Bueno Silva.

“I was nervous,” Nunes admitted when recalling watching the fight. “I don’t know why, but I was very nervous.

“It was mixed feelings. I was happy and sad. When I saw ‘Rocky’ with the belt, I was okay. I wasn’t upset or anything like that.

“I think I did the right decision retiring, resting a little bit. Taking care of the babies.

“[I] can’t leave Nina Nunes) with two babies by herself. So I’ve been enjoying it, too.”

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Nunes was cageside for the first 135lb title fight since her retirement[/caption]