Norma Dumont has built an impressive six-fight winning streak, yet the Brazilian fighter encounters an unexpected blockade in her UFC career due to a frozen division and lack of available opponents. The halt comes in the wake of the canceled Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes fight at UFC 324, leaving the UFC women’s featherweight title picture unclear and Dumont without a clear path forward.
Dumont, aiming for a title shot, expressed her frustration in an MMA Junkie interview, revealing how the division’s status has put her momentum on hold. The anticipated showdown between Harrison and Nunes was expected to clarify rankings, but Harrison’s neck injury, which necessitated surgery for herniated discs, has left the timeline for that fight uncertain, potentially pushing it to mid-2026.
Dumont’s Frustration Grows After Missed Title Chance
Following Harrison’s withdrawal from UFC 324, Dumont immediately volunteered to replace her and challenge Nunes for the championship title. However, her offer was declined, with reports suggesting that Amanda Nunes preferred to wait for Harrison instead of facing a substitute contender.
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.
The “issue” Dumont refers to involves the deep-seated tension between Nunes and Harrison, both of whom trained at American Top Team (ATT). Nunes left ATT in 2022, citing Harrison’s presence as a significant factor in her decision. Both fighters share former coach Mike Brown, and Nunes has previously acknowledged that a fight between herself and Harrison was inevitable, underscoring personal dynamics affecting the division.
Ranked Fighters on Sidelines Expand Division Gridlock
Dumont’s dissatisfaction is not limited to the title fight delay. She points out several top-ranked fighters also sidelined due to injuries, contributing to the stagnant division landscape. Julianna Peña, ranked No. 1, is currently recovering from elbow surgery sustained in her loss to Harrison at UFC 316, with no announced return date. Raquel Pennington, ranked No. 2, has been out since October 2024 after neck surgery, further thinning active contenders.
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’s Recent Wins Highlight Her Readiness Amid Uncertainty
Dumont last competed in November 2025 at UFC Fight Night 263, securing a split decision victory over Ketlen Vieira and extending her winning run. Her streak includes notable wins over Irene Aldana, Germaine de Randamie, and Karol Rosa, positioning her as one of the most consistent fighters in the division. Despite this, Dumont remains without a scheduled opponent or a clear path to a championship fight.
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.
Dumont’s Determination Unshaken Amid Division Delays
Despite the current stalemate, Dumont confirms her commitment to continue training and remain ready for any fights the UFC offers. She maintains a clear focus on capturing the championship and refuses to let external obstacles derail her goal.
It can take time, things can happen, but I guarantee you I will have my opportunity. I’m going to become champ,
Dumont said.
The ongoing inactivity and injury-related delays in the UFC women’s featherweight division have created significant uncertainty around title contention. While Dumont’s win streak underscores her readiness, the continuation of this impasse could shape the division’s landscape into 2026 and beyond, making her persistence a critical storyline to follow in women’s MMA.
