Dustin Poirier Questions Kayla Harrison's Submission Potential Against Amanda Nunes

Dustin Poirier shared his thoughts on the upcoming UFC women's bantamweight title fight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes. He questioned whether Harrison possesses the capability to submit Nunes.

The bout, initially slated for early 2026, was postponed due to Nunes' neck surgery. The surgery was successful, and Harrison is now preparing to face her former teammate at UFC 334 on November 14th.

Poirier, who has trained with both fighters at American Top Team, discussed the matchup on a recent "Deep Waters" episode. He highlighted the importance of takedowns in determining the fight's outcome.

"It's going to come down to the takedowns," Poirier stated. "Can Kayla use her judo and her wrestling to get Amanda down? If she can, I think she’s going to have a lot of success."

Poirier acknowledged Nunes' submission losses in the past. He noted Harrison's strength and top control but also pointed out the unique challenge posed by Nunes' reach and power, which are difficult to replicate in training for female fighters.

Harrison's last fight was in June 2025, while Nunes, who had retired, is returning after not competing since 2023. Despite Nunes' return, Harrison enters UFC 334 as the betting favorite.

Harrison has won four consecutive fights, with only one loss in her professional MMA career. Nunes, prior to her retirement, had a strong record, going 14-1 in her last 15 appearances, including victories in the now-defunct women's featherweight division.

Dustin Poirier wonders if Kayla Harrison can submit Amanda Nunes: “It’s going to come down to the takedowns”

Dustin Poirier shared his perspective on the anticipated UFC title fight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, specifically contemplating Harrison's chances of achieving a submission victory.

The fight, originally scheduled for early 2026, was delayed due to the women's bantamweight champion undergoing neck surgery. Following a successful procedure, Harrison is preparing to face her former training partner at UFC 334 on November 14.

Poirier, familiar with both fighters from his time at American Top Team, expressed his views on the "Deep Waters" podcast. He suggested that the fight's direction would hinge on takedowns.

“It’s going to come down to the takedowns,” Poirier said. “Can Kayla use her judo and her wrestling to get Amanda down? If she can, I think she’s going to have a lot of success."

He also commented on Nunes' history of submission defeats. Poirier recognized Harrison's physical attributes and grappling skills but emphasized the difficulty in preparing for the specific reach and power Nunes brings to the women's division.

Harrison's most recent bout was in June 2025. Nunes, who had previously retired from professional MMA, is making her return after not fighting since 2023. As UFC 334 approaches, Harrison is currently the favored fighter.

Harrison is on a four-fight winning streak and has a single loss on her professional MMA record. Nunes' record before her retirement showed a strong performance, with a 14-1 standing in her last 15 matches, including wins in the former women's featherweight division.