Kayla Harrison is making waves in the UFC world. Fresh off her last victory, she’s now added a UFC championship to her impressive collection, which includes an Olympic gold medal and a PFL title. At UFC 316 in Newark, Harrison faced Julianna Peña and won by submission with a kimura in the second round.
The match showcased Harrison’s strength. She controlled the first round easily, bringing Peña to the ground several times. There was a hiccup when Peña was penalized for illegal strikes, but Harrison’s skills shone through in the next round. She secured the win early on, showing her dominance in the cage.
After her victory, things got even more exciting. Harrison called out Amanda Nunes, a former teammate and UFC champion. Nunes hasn’t fought since June 2023, when she announced her retirement after a win against Irene Aldana. However, she hinted at making a comeback, confirming it during a fan event.
This win maintains Harrison’s undefeated streak in the UFC, with her only loss coming from PFL in 2022 against Larissa Pacheco. Peña’s title reign has come to a halt, as she also struggled to defend her title in her earlier tenure.
Sports analysts are buzzing about what’s next for Harrison. Many believe a matchup with Nunes could be one of the most significant women’s fights in MMA history. According to a recent poll, 70% of fans are eager to see this clash, highlighting the anticipation building in the community.
For context, the rise of female fighters in the UFC is still relatively new. Just a decade ago, women’s bouts weren’t as prevalent or respected. Now, they headline events and draw huge audiences. This shift speaks volumes about the progress in gender representation in sports.
As Harrison eyes her next challenge, fans are left wondering how her career will further unfold in this exciting landscape of mixed martial arts.
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