Amanda Nunes apologizes to Ronda Rousey for post-fight comments

In the UFC’s final card of the year, UFC 207, UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes stepped into the Octagon for the first time with hopes of defending her belt for the first time since winning it at UFC 200 in July, where she defeated Miesha Tate. Nunes of course picked up a phenomenal 48 second win as she knocked out Ronda Rousey in the very first round.

In several interviews following the fight, including her post-fight Octagon interview, Nunes bashed Rousey for being overrated and not being as dominant as she was perceived to be.

“I don’t know how Ronda Rousey went too far in this division. Honestly, I don’t understand why those girls lost to Ronda Rousey. I know since my first fight in the UFC I can beat Ronda Rousey, but of course I have to take my time and put everything together. That day was the day to prove to everybody and I did it.”

“Yes, for sure [Rousey is overrated]. The UFC make this happen. They put her in a place where she’s not at. But I know I can beat Ronda Rousey since I saw her first fight.”

Those comments didn’t sit too well with some, who believed that Nunes shouldn’t kick Rousey while she was down.

Now, the champ is apologizing for her comments, saying:

Let me take a moment to explain myself. I was overwhelmed with adrenaline, emotion and hurt at the time. I held so much in during the weeks prior to my fight with Ronda. I might have said or posted some things at the time that I now realize was not the right thing to do. I want to apologize to Ronda. Her fans and mine and the UFC as well. Ronda is an amazing athlete and has done so much for this sport, especially for the women. #respect

A photo posted by AmandaNunes (@amanda_leoa) on Jan 31, 2017 at 12:52pm PST

on 1/31/2017.