Nasir Jabbar
Amanda Nunes was called out to a huge fight on UFC 324 following the devastating withdrawal of Kayla Harrison.
UFC 324 is just over a week away as two huge titles fights were supposed to feature on the promotion's first card of 2026.
Paddy Pimblett meets Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight title in the main-event and Harrison was set to defend her UFC women's bantamweight championship against the returning Nunes until Wednesday's development.
It emerged that Harrison underwent surgery to repair herniated discs in her neck.
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She travelled to New York to seek treatment on her injury before UFC doctors decided she needed surgery to repair the damage done, forcing her to step away from her UFC 324 assignment against Nunes.
The UFC later released a statement confirming Harrison vs. Nunes has been postponed, revealing a new co-main event.
But several UFC stars offered their services, including surging contender Norma Dumont, who has won six fights in a row inside the famed Octagon.
The UFC also received a left-field offer in the shape of Amanda Serrano, who is promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.
Serrano beat Reina Tellez at the start of the month to return to the win column following back-to back defeats to Katie Taylor.
But the 37-year-old boxing star, who has MMA experience, wanted to switch codes to face Nunes on short notice.
Serrano called out the Brazilian legend on social media, claiming she's already in fight shape given her bout on January 3.
On X, she wrote: "If UFC and Amanda Nunes are thinking of a replacement, I would love the challenge as I’m still in fight shape. Hope the champ recovers well."
In another post, Serrano added: "This isn’t to Disrespect Amanda Nunes. I think she’s the Goat of MMA. I also know she has incredible hands & loves to use them.
"I’ve competed in both MMA & Jiujitsu. Anyone that has ever done MMA/BJJ has always dreamt of competing in the biggest stages & company UFC.
"My Nephew Jovan is the Captain of His Varsity Wrestling team & I train with him a few times a week just to give him extra work. I love kicking so I never stopped training that either. Much Respect to & for The Lioness."
Paul, who has promoted Serrano since 2021, weighed in as he left a comment on a social media post.
He wrote: "Amanda wins no matter what."
It's unknown whether UFC considered Serrano's offer, having officially pulled Nunes from the Las Vegas card.
Harrison vs. Nunes has been postponed and is expected to be rescheduled for later in the year.