Kayla Harrison marked a significant milestone in her impressive combat sports career by capturing the UFC women`s bantamweight championship at UFC 316.
UFC 316 took place recently in Newark, New Jersey, featuring a lineup that included key title fights.
The co-main event saw Julianna Pena defending her women`s bantamweight title against Kayla Harrison. Harrison`s successful debut at the 135 lbs weight class had been a notable point of interest leading up to the event.
A heated and prolonged rivalry preceded the fight, with Pena having made multiple accusations of steroid use against the Olympic gold medalist, Harrison.
Kayla Harrison Dominates Julianna Pena to Become Champion
Following months of animosity, the co-main event clash was highly anticipated by fans.
From the outset, Harrison demonstrated her composure under the bright lights, immediately applying pressure on `The Venezuelan Vixen`.
Just past the halfway mark of the first round, Harrison secured a takedown, asserting control on the canvas and landing heavy ground-and-pound strikes.
An unfortunate turn occurred for Pena when she landed three consecutive illegal upkicks to a grounded Harrison`s chin, resulting in an immediate point deduction.
With her back against the wall and likely down on the scorecards, Pena needed a strong performance in the second round, but the situation only deteriorated.
Harrison secured another takedown late in the second frame and swiftly transitioned to a fight-ending kimura submission, forcing the tap from Pena.
Harrison Faces Off with Amanda Nunes, Confirming Return Fight
Adding to the drama leading up to the women`s bantamweight title fight, former champion Amanda Nunes had previously announced she would come out of retirement to face the winner.
Immediately after securing her victory and becoming the new champion, Harrison was met in the cage by her likely next opponent. `The Lioness` rose from her front-row seat and entered the octagon.
Harrison directly challenged Nunes, stating, “I see you, Amanda. Come on up, Amanda! Come on! This is the next fight!”
Nunes responded, confirming her return: “Let’s do it! Yes (I’m coming back), we knew this was going to happen… Now we’re gonna do it.” The two former champions then engaged in an intense face-off.
With Amanda Nunes` comeback now confirmed, it is widely expected that Harrison`s first title defense will be against `The Lioness`, who is often regarded as the greatest female fighter of all time. The highly anticipated bout is expected to be scheduled after Harrison has time to recover from her weight cut and the fight itself.
