Kayla Harrison Conquers UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship
Kayla Harrison demonstrated her absolute dominance by submitting Julianna Peña in the final seconds of the second round, thus securing the women’s bantamweight championship in the co-main event of UFC 316, held in Newark, New Jersey.Harrison’s first title defense is already scheduled against former bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes, who announced her return from retirement on Friday. The new champion welcomed the former champion to the octagon, where they both exchanged pleasantries before facing off.
Harrison (19-1) controlled every second of Saturday night’s fight, imposing constant pressure and achieving effective takedowns. After a first round where he achieved an immediate takedown and Peña was penalized with a point for illegal kicks, Harrison continued his offense in the second round. Peña (12-6) failed to advance and was constantly pursued by Harrison. Finally, Harrison secured a grip and took the fight to the ground. From half guard, Harrison unleashed strikes and maneuvered to attempt an arm triangle choke. Although it seemed that Peña would survive the second round, Harrison quickly transitioned to a Kimura, forcing the submission with only five seconds remaining in the round.I feel like we knew this was going to happen. I have the belt, she has the legacy. Let’s put it on the table.
Kayla Harrison
Harrison was referring to the brutal weight cut that left her visibly emaciated on the scale Friday morning. However, she managed to make weight, which may have been the biggest challenge of the week. Double Olympic gold medalist in judo, Harrison debuted in MMA in 2018 and won the PFL lightweight tournament in 2019 and 2021, before signing with the UFC in January 2024. Her UFC debut was at UFC 300 last April, where, after dropping to 135 pounds, she submitted former bantamweight champion Holly Holm in the second round. Then, she secured a decision victory over Ketlen Vieira, securing her place for the title opportunity. Although Pena was responsible for one of the biggest upsets in UFC history by submitting Nunes in December 2021, she couldn’t replicate a similar performance as the clear underdog against Harrison. Despite the pre-fight tension, Harrison and Peña embraced after the fight.This is for anyone who has ever felt hopeless and wanted to give up. On Thursday, I wanted to give up, but there’s a little voice that tells you not to.
Kayla Harrison
We pray for each other. It’s not personal. We are here to fight. This is a business and I am grateful to Peña for bringing out the best version of me.
Kayla Harrison
