Amanda Nunes Says She Will Be Ready For Valentina Shevchenko

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes hasn't stepped inside the Octagon since defeating former champion Ronda Rousey at UFC 207.

Valentina Shevchenko may be next for Nunes, and the champion says she'l be ready for the eventual clash.

“Definitely not. I’m on vacation right now … I’m not just going to come back and fight because Valentina wants. It’s not like that,” Nunes said to MMA Junkie. “I have my time to enjoy and be with my family, like she has, as well. … This is a moment I want to rest a little bit. Last year I fought three times, and this year I want to take a little rest and come back in the middle of the year. If it’s going to be Valentina, I don’t have any problem. I will be ready for her. I don’t think she knows how excited I’ll be to come back. But I really respect my body right now, and I’m taking some days off.”

The two women have collided before, but it was Nunes getting the win that night by decision. However, a re-match would be contested in a five-round affair. Nunes enjoys being the champion and she wants to spread the joy.

“This is a huge moment for my career,” Nunes said. “I want to share it with my family, with the people who helped me to get here in this moment. When I come back to USA, I will sit down with the UFC and discuss my next step.”

Shevchenko is the #1 ranked female bantamweight and recently defeated Juliana Pena at UFC On Fox 23.