One-time UFC contender Megan Anderson could put the gloves back on, but not for a MMA bout.
Anderson walked away from the sport after losing to two-division queen Amanda Nunes in March 2021, the last time the UFC featherweight title was ever put on the line, and has never looked back. Still involved in the sport, working as a commentator on the Invicta FC broadcast, Anderson told MMA Fighting there’s one avenue she would consider going for a return to combat sports.
“I have no desire to fight anymore,” Anderson said. “I don’t even think I could make 145 pounds anymore — I definitely do, I miss cutting weight. Maybe do like a Influencer boxing bout or something like that down the line. Who knows, ‘cause I just started boxing again like for fun with my trainer, so maybe that — but it’s more of like a 20 percent maybe.”
Anderson racked up a professional record of 10-5 with six knockout victories between 2013 and 2021, including a stoppage over Norma Dumont in the UFC and a head kick knockout against Charmaine Tweet to claim the interim Invicta FC featherweight gold. At age 35, she would just look for fun times in the squared circle.
“I would never do professional boxing,” Anderson said. “It would definitely be like influencer boxing, just something that’s fun. Nothing too serious. I’m not trying to get knocked out [laughs], I’m not trying to fight Claressa Shields. I’m good, thank you [laughs]. I mean, if the price is right, you never know. But at this stage I enjoy what I’m doing, I enjoy this side of things. You never know. You never say never.”
For now, Anderson is happy being part of the Invicta FC family as a commentator and get to watch the next generation of the sport grow.
“I love what I’m doing now,” Anderson said. “I did everything that I wanted to accomplish in the sport of mixed martial arts. Obviously didn’t end the way that I wanted to, but being able to transition into the broadcasting side, I think is so fulfilling for me because I’m still able to be involved in the sport. I’m able to talk about the sport that I love, that has given me so much. And I love that I have this opportunity to be involved and be such an important part of Invicta and their commentary team because I wouldn’t be be where I am without Shannon [Knapp] and Invita. So to be able to give back and to highlight these women and give them a platform and kind of help build their careers, building them up on the broadcast in some way, I think is so fulfilling.
“I love that I get to do this, and I’m so grateful that I am in the position that I am to be able to continue doing this. Being around it and seeing all these young athletes come through it makes me feel really old, honestly [laughs]. I feel ancient. But I love watching them come through, seeing where their careers go. I kind of feel like a proud older sister. I get to watch them come through, give them some advice. If anyone ever reach out wanting advice, I’m always there. I’m happy to help them in any way. That’s more than I can ask.”
