Norma Dumont, frustrated by the lack of opportunities for a UFC bantamweight title shot despite her winning streak, hopes to secure a fight that positions her for a title challenge, while also considering serving as a backup for the Peña vs. Harrison match at UFC 316, amidst uncertainties about potential opponents and the possible return of Amanda Nunes.
SÃO PAULO — Norma Dumont is eager for a fight that could catapult her into UFC bantamweight title contention. Frustratingly, securing such a bout has been elusive. Despite five consecutive wins in the octagon, including victories over Germaine de Randamie and Irene Aldana in 2024, Dumont confesses to MMA Fighting, “I have no idea” who’s next.
“It’s very frustrating because I’m focused on the belt, I want the belt, that’s my goal,” she said. Dumont is doing everything to align with this objective, taking fights that should pave the way to a title shot. Yet now? No options. Nada.
Julianna Peña’s upcoming title defense against Kayla Harrison on June 7 in Newark complicates matters further. Dumont had aimed for a No. 1 contender clash with Raquel Pennington, but Pennington’s injury leaves her sidelined indefinitely. Meanwhile, Macy Chiasson and Ketlen Vieira are set to tango on May 31, leaving Dumont partner-less among the top contenders.
Fighting someone ranked lower might keep her active but doesn’t propel her toward the belt. “I need a fight that takes me to a title shot,” she insists. Otherwise? It’s just spinning wheels without reaching her ultimate goal.
Dumont reflects on why she’s rarely the first pick for fights: “Maybe it’s my style.” With versatility and size advantage in the division, she presents a strategic challenge. A black belt both on the ground and standing? That makes her a formidable opponent.
She won’t sit idle for a year; Dumont expects the UFC to line up an opponent soon. After joining Chute Boxe Diego Lima post-Aldana victory, she’s ready to serve as backup for Peña vs. Harrison at UFC 316—and ideally have her own bout on that card too.
“We thought Pennington and I would be on the same card as Kayla and Julianna,” Dumont reveals. But Pennington’s injury derailed those plans. It’s not just her plans that are affected—UFC’s strategy gets tangled too. The pieces are shifting unpredictably.
Despite uncertainties, Dumont hopes one more win secures her title shot. However, Amanda Nunes’s potential return could throw a wrench in those aspirations. If Nunes comes back solely to face Kayla Harrison? That could stall everything.
“I believe Kayla beats Julianna and Amanda might return,” Dumont muses. Not for a full comeback but perhaps just to tackle Kayla before retiring again—a scenario that could slow down the division significantly.
If Nunes’s return hinges on Harrison holding her former belt, Dumont sees it as inevitable. But she won’t underestimate Peña at UFC 316 either.
“The problem is Julianna is too small for the division,” Dumont observes. Her grappling style may falter against Kayla’s size and experience—but cardio could be Kayla’s Achilles’ heel.
“If [Harrison] pressures early, she could finish it with ground and pound or submission,” predicts Dumont. But if the fight drags past round three? Julianna’s endurance might make things interesting—she’s lighter yet durable with surprising resilience.
In essence? If Kayla plays it smart, applying pressure from the get-go is key to avoiding Julianna’s late-game tenacity.