Amanda Nunes has done the next step she needs to take to get back to work after saying she wants to fight again after retiring in 2023. The former champion in two divisions is back in the UFC's anti-doping program, and she was drug tested once in the last week. The UFC's anti-doping website posts weekly updates on testing numbers, and Nunes is shown with the most recent one. This doesn't show when Nunes really re-entered the UFC's drug testing program because fighters are tested at random. However, she has officially submitted a sample, which is one more step she needs to take before she can fight again. Athletes who have retired must pass drug tests for at least six months before they can participate again. After beating Julianna Pena in June to become the new women's bantamweight title, Nunes announced she was going to go back to the UFC's anti-doping program after facing down Kayla Harrison. When Nunes actually re-enrolls will determine when she can fight again, but she will probably be able to compete again in December 2025 or January 2026, unless the UFC gives her an exemption for the six months of compulsory drug testing. Nunes is going to fight Harrison in her first fight back. The two used to be partners and trained together at American Top Team in Florida. Nunes has an incredible 14-1 record in 15 fights in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, with her lone loss coming against Pena in 2021. Seven months later, Nunes got back at Pena with a one-sided decision win. Then, before retiring, she defended her title one more time by beating Irene Aldana. Nunes has been focused on creating a baby with her wife, fellow UFC veteran Nina Nunes, but she has been hinting at a return to action for a while now. Harrison is now the champion, therefore Nunes has a tough fight ahead of her. The UFC will probably book that match as soon as the Brazilian-born legend is able to fight again.