Brazilian bantamweight contender Amanda Nunes prefers if Ronda Rousey just stays away from the Octagon as much she wants, as she believes "Rowdy" would most definitely leapfrog her for a title shot if she decides to return sooner rather than later.

As Nunes told Combate, she feels this is her time to pursue the belt.

"I hope Ronda doesn't come back. If she does, I think she will go straight for the belt and then it will start all over again, it will be another endless wait to fight for the title. I hope she gets some rest. I think she should make some movies and leave that opportunity to the others. I have been here for a long time, since Strikeforce. I was always among the Top 5, but never got my shot. Who knows, if I beat Valentina, the UFC might give me that title shot."

Amanda Nunes is set to take on Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 196 on March 5, in Las Vegas. The card will also feature a women's bantamweight title fight between champion Holly Holm and Miesha Tate.