Mike Brown: Amanda Nunes, Kayla Harrison on 'different trajectories,' unlikely to fight

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – American Top Team coach Mike Brown doesn’t think Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison will ever fight.

With both women running right through their competition, many have expressed interest in seeing UFC dual champion Nunes (21-4 MMA, 14-1 UFC) and two-time PFL lightweight champ Harrison (12-0) square off. But considering that they’re teammates and training partners at ATT, their coach doesn’t envision a scenario in which Nunes and Harrison would fight each other despite free agent Harrison saying she’s open to it.

“This is the dream fight people want to see,” Brown told MMA Junkie. “But this is the same team, same gym, not gonna happen I wouldn’t imagine. Different organizations, different trajectories, and there’s plenty to eat out there.”

Nunes is set to make her sixth title defense when she meets Season 18 “Ultimate Fighter” winner Julianna Pena (10-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) at UFC 269 on Dec. 11.

“The Lioness” enters the bout as a heavy favorite once again, but Brown thinks that may work to her detriment. The expectations for Nunes to put on a flawless performance are high, and Brown sees Pena being a game opponent.

“Every fight is dangerous,” Brown said. “It’s hard when you’re in a situation like Amanda where everyone expects her to win because of her track record. It’s difficult because if you don’t just completely dominate, it almost – people look down upon it. But Pena is very legit, a very tough fight and has a bit of a different style. She’s a very strong grappler and a very dangerous opponent and somebody who’s not always easy to look good against.”