UFC Champ, Amanda Nunes Starting New Role with Invicta FC

It was announced by Invicta FC on their official website today that the UFC’s Bantamweight champion, Amanda Nunes would be re-joining their organization! But this time, not as a fighter but as part of the Athlete Development Team. Nunes’ primary responsibilities will be to assist in making matchmaking decisions, therefore leading to intriguing fight card layouts and helping identify future champions, specifically looking at talent from Brazil and the southeastern U.S.

Nunes fought twice for Invicta, once in 2012 and once in 2013. She went 1-1, defeating Raquel Pa’aluhi and losing a decision to Sarah D’Alelio. She spoke a bit about Invicta and her new position in this interview:

“I’ve been very fortunate throughout my career to fight for the best organizations in the world. In my new position, I hope to be able to use my experience as a fighter and a champion to help groom the next generation. I’m honored to be a part of their journey at Invicta.”

Nunes has fought for Strikeforce, Invicta and the UFC since 2011.

Invicta FC President, Shannon Knapp also commented on the addition of Nunes to her team:

“I’ve known and worked with Amanda for a long time, going all the way back to our Strikeforce days. She was already part of the Invicta family, but now it’s official; now it’s on paper. I can’t think of a better ambassador for the sport and our organization.”

Invicta FC 26 was the last event by the organization and that’s where we first saw Nunes doing some work with the company as she helped translate for the Brazilian fighters during their post-fight interviews. Invicta FC 27 takes place on Saturday and Nunes will be getting right to work, starting with the weigh-ins tomorrow as she will square off the fighters then surely some more translating duties come fight night.

Invicta FC 27 is headlined by UFC veteran and former Strikeforce champion, Sarah Kaufman when she takes on Pannie Kianzad. The event will air live on UFC Fight Pass at 8pmET/5pmPT.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 1/11/2018.