Amanda Nunes on UFC “They Hurt Me”

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes says she was hurt by the way all the pre-fight promotion for her last fight was dedicated to former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey.

Nunes revealed she was hurt during an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal after she was asked about her recent public apology to Rousey.

“The apology was for the word that I said,” Nunes said. “I think it was too much because I was very sad, very mad, about how (the fight) was promoted. I was the champion and I didn’t have the cred I was supposed to have. I feel like everything was about her. I never fought mad before, but that was the only fight they made me fight mad, sad, and hurt. They hurt me. After the fight, I couldn’t control myself.”

Nunes went on to say she believes she’ll receive more respect following her 48-second TKO victory over Rousey at UFC 207 in December.

“Ronda Rousey was huge,” Nunes said. “We know what Ronda Rousey did for the sport, especially in women’s MMA. I know everything, and I respect her for that, but I was the champion. That’s why we have the belt. That’s why the UFC has the belt. Who is the best? You have the belt. I was the best. Now everyone is going to respect (and) treat me better.”

Nunes then talked about what was next in her career. She said she is looking forward to defending her belt against Valentina Shevchenko in the future. Back in March, Nunes won a decision against Shevchenko. That win earned Nunes the shot at the UFC title. Nunes says the next time she fights Shevchenko she will finish her.

Nunes also said she wants to go up in weight and fight for the UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship. However, she said she will defend her title a few more times before she goes for a second UFC title.