Kayla Harrison Crowned UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion
In a co-main event filled with excitement in Newark, New Jersey, Kayla Harrison demonstrated her absolute dominance by submitting Julianna Peña in the final seconds of the second round, thus securing the UFC women’s bantamweight championship.
Harrison’s first title defense is already scheduled and will be against former bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes, who announced her return from retirement last Friday. The new champion welcomed the former champion to the octagon, and both exchanged pleasantries before facing each other.
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, with an impressive record of 19-1, controlled every second of the fight with relentless pressure and effective takedowns. After a first round where she quickly secured a takedown and Peña was penalized for illegal kicks, Harrison continued her 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 landed punches and moved to attempt an arm triangle. Although it seemed Peña would survive the second round, Harrison quickly transitioned to a kimura, forcing the submission with only five seconds remaining.
Harrison was referring to the difficult weight cut that left her visibly emaciated on the scales Friday morning. Despite this, she managed to make weight, possibly the toughest fight she faced that week.This is for anyone who has 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
Double Olympic gold medalist in judo, Harrison made her MMA debut 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, in the 135-pound category, she submitted former bantamweight champion Holly Holm in the second round. This performance was followed by a decision victory over Ketlen Vieira, securing her place for the title opportunity.
Despite Peña being 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 underdog against Harrison.
Although there was great tension between Harrison and Peña before the fight, they both embraced afterward. Harrison commented that they prayed for each other and that it was nothing personal, but business. She also expressed her gratitude to Peña for bringing out the best in her.
