Nunes brands Dumont's UFC exit a 'bad decision' ahead of her own title comeback

Amanda Nunes has publicly questioned Norma Dumont’s decision to part ways with the UFC, saying the featherweight contender should have fought out the two bouts remaining on her contract rather than walk away from the promotion.

Dumont announced her departure on Wednesday, revealing she had already been informed the UFC did not intend to renew her deal once it expired. Despite that, Nunes — speaking at media day ahead of UFC 334 — argued Dumont owed it to herself to make one last case for her place on the roster.

“Norma did very bad decision in her life to leave UFC,” Nunes said. “She had two more fights. If I was her, I would have proved to UFC, I belong here. I feel going away from UFC is not a good decision.”

Dumont, who stands at 13-4, had been edging towards title contention before back-to-back losses stalled her momentum. She has since revealed she received an offer for a direct championship shot at a rival promotion, as well as a lucrative boxing match, and indicated on social media that she is leaning towards the boxing route.

Nunes, meanwhile, is preparing for her own high-stakes return. The former two-division champion has been out of competition for three years and will challenge unbeaten Kayla Harrison (19-1) for the UFC bantamweight title at UFC 334 on 14 November at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Hall of Famer has suggested she would look to defend the title if she defeats Harrison, signalling she has no intention of following Dumont’s path out of the organisation.