Kayla Harrison Conquers UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship
Kayla Harrison demonstrated her dominance by submitting Julianna Peña in the final seconds of the second round, securing the UFC women’s bantamweight championship in the co-main event of UFC 316 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 in the octagon, and both exchanged greetings before facing each other.Harrison (19-1) controlled every second of the fight with relentless pressure and effective takedowns. After a first round where she secured an initial takedown and Peña was penalized a point for illegal kicks, Harrison regained control in the second round. Peña (12-6) never managed to advance and was constantly pursued by Harrison. Finally, Harrison secured Peña again and took her to the ground. Harrison unleashed a ground-and-pound from half guard and maneuvered to attempt an armbar. It seemed that Peña would manage to reach the end of the second round, but Harrison quickly transitioned to a Kimura and forced the submission with 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 made her look gaunt on the scales on Friday morning. However, she managed to make weight, and that may have been the toughest fight of the week. 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. Harrison made her UFC debut at UFC 300 last April, competing at 135 pounds and submitting former bantamweight champion Holly Holm in the second round. She followed that performance with a decision victory over Ketlen Vieira to secure her spot in the title opportunity. Although she was responsible for one of the biggest upsets in UFC history when she submitted Nunes in December 2021, Peña was unable to replicate a similar performance as a clear underdog against Harrison. There was great tension between Harrison and Peña before the fight, but they both hugged afterwards.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
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 a better version of me.
Kayla Harrison
