UFC star Kayla Harrison made an indelible mark on the UFC in just her third bout with the organization, winning the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship by defeating Julianna Peña at UFC 316. The victory, secured via submission, highlights Harrison’s rapid rise to stardom in the MMA world. Harrison’s celebration after the fight was notable as President Donald Trump joined her outside the octagon, embracing the athlete in a rare and unexpected public display of camaraderie. Harrison expressed her astonishment at the moment, reflecting on the surreal nature of the event.
The fight, which took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, marked a turning point for Harrison, setting up her potential for a major showdown against Amanda Nunes. Nunes, the former champion, vacated her title in 2023 after retiring from the sport but has since expressed her intent to return and face Harrison. The potential matchup has already generated significant buzz among fans of the sport, with both fighters’ fans eagerly awaiting details surrounding the bout. Nunes, who was not currently in the UFC’s drug testing pool, will need to complete six months of random testing before she can compete again.
Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, has steadily transitioned to mixed martial arts since her MMA debut in 2018. Her success in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has already positioned her as one of the top female fighters in the organization, earning her titles in the lightweight division. Her recent win over Peña, which marked her third in the UFC, further cements her status as a formidable competitor. Harrison’s victory has also drawn attention to her growing influence in the sport, with many analysts predicting a significant future impact on the women’s bantamweight division.
The UFC has seen an increasing presence of elite athletes from diverse backgrounds, with Harrison’s success highlighting the growing popularity and competitiveness of the sport. Her performance at UFC 319 not only solidifies her place in the organization but also underscores the significance of her victory for the division. As she looks toward a potential fight against Nunes, the MMA world watches closely for the next developments in this exciting chapter of the sport’s history.