Norma Dumont is riding a six-fight win streak, yet the Brazilian contender finds herself in an impossible position: there is nobody above her available to fight, and the division’s title picture remains frozen following the cancellation of Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes at UFC 324.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Dumont did not hold back about her frustration with the situation. The 34-year-old explained that she had hoped the Harrison-Nunes matchup would finally bring clarity to the division. Instead, Harrison’s neck injury, which required surgery for herniated discs, has left everything in limbo, with the fight potentially postponed until mid-2026.
Norma Dumont Frustrated
When Harrison withdrew from UFC 324, Dumont immediately volunteered to replace her and face Nunes for the title. That offer went nowhere. Dumont believes Nunes declined to accept any replacement, choosing instead to wait for Harrison.
“I thought Amanda was back to really fight and fight whoever, and now it’s all about that little issue they have between old team members and whatever their problem is, and my career gets stuck because of this. So it’s really frustrating,” Dumont told MMA Junkie.
Image: UFC.com
The “issue” Dumont referenced is the well-documented history between Nunes and Harrison at American Top Team. Nunes left ATT in 2022, later admitting Harrison’s presence at the gym was a major factor in her departure. The two share the same former coach, Mike Brown, and Nunes has said she knew a fight between them was inevitable.
Dumont’s frustration extends beyond the title picture. She pointed to multiple ranked fighters who remain on the sidelines while holding their positions in the standings. Julianna Peña, ranked No. 1, is recovering from elbow surgery following her loss to Harrison at UFC 316 and has not indicated when she will return . Raquel Pennington, ranked No. 2, has been out since October 2024 due to neck issues that required surgery.
“Clean it up, you know, and get new blood in there in place of the people that occupy these rankings and spend a year or two years without fighting. That’s what keeps everything stuck. In a perfect world, these girls need to move on and give opportunity for new fighters,” Dumont said.
Dumont last competed in November 2025, defeating Ketlen Vieira by split decision at UFC Fight Night 263 to extend her winning streak. Her run includes victories over Vieira, Irene Aldana, Germaine de Randamie, and Karol Rosa. Despite these results, she has no scheduled opponent and no timeline for a potential title shot.
“It’s really frustrating, you know. I thought that once Kayla and Amanda fought, then finally it would make the division move forward. For me it’s a tough situation. Julianna is hurt, Raquel’s hurt. I have nobody above me that would help me move up that staircase and we’re all stuck. The division’s not moving.”
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – OCTOBER 10: Norma Dumont is seen on stage during a Q&A session prior to the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Farmasi Arena on October 10, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)
The Brazilian said she will continue training and accept whatever fight the UFC offers. She remains focused on the championship and refuses to let outside factors derail her preparation.
“It can take time, things can happen, but I guarantee you I will have my opportunity. I’m going to become champ,” Dumont said.