At UFC 316 on Saturday night, Kayla Harrison achieved her goal, dominating Julianna Peña en route to a submission victory and claiming the championship. This marked the realization of a long-held dream for the decorated judoka.
Harrison`s physical superiority was clear from the outset. She quickly closed the distance, secured takedowns, and controlled the action on the ground. In the second round, another takedown allowed Harrison to improve her position. While an attempted arm-triangle choke didn`t materialize due to cage positioning, she successfully transitioned to a kimura.
Recognizing the danger, Peña tapped out quickly as Harrison tightened the kimura, preventing serious injury. This swift submission added another significant title to the two-time Olympic judo champion`s collection. After the fight, the two competitors shared a moment of respect, embracing and exchanging words before Harrison was formally declared the victor.
“We prayed for each other,” Harrison stated, reflecting on their post-fight interaction. “It`s not personal. We came here to compete; this is a business. I am passionate about my work. I`m thankful for a skilled opponent like Julianna, who pushed me to perform at my best.”
Her celebration was brief as Harrison immediately focused on former champion Amanda Nunes, who was observing the event cageside. Harrison called Nunes into the octagon, setting the stage for a potential clash between the former teammates.
“Amanda, I see you,” Harrison called out. “Come on up here, Amanda! This is the next fight.”
Nunes entered the cage, shook hands with Harrison, and commented that she had anticipated this moment ever since they trained together previously at American Top Team in Florida.
“Yes, definitely, I`m coming back,” Nunes affirmed. “We knew this was going to happen. Now we`re going to make it happen.”
To set up a future showdown with Nunes, Harrison first had to overcome Peña, and she did so decisively.
Harrison initiated with strikes, leading to a clinch where she pressed Peña against the cage to secure a takedown. She successfully locked a body lock and executed an efficient inside trip, dropping Peña to the ground.
On the mat, Peña established full guard as Harrison maintained top pressure, leveraging her size and strength. Harrison landed an inside elbow, to which Peña responded with illegal upkicks, prompting referee Vitor Ribeiro to temporarily halt the fight.
Ribeiro deducted a point from Peña for the illegal strikes before the contest continued standing.
Harrison again used strikes to pressure Peña backward, creating opportunities for more takedown attempts. Despite Peña`s defense, Harrison`s persistent pressure eventually succeeded in taking the fight back to the mat.
From guard, Peña defended as Harrison sought to inflict damage and improve her position for a potential submission. Harrison physically controlled Peña on the ground, attempting an arm-triangle choke, but the cage position interfered.
Capitalizing on the situation, Harrison transitioned to a kimura, quickly securing the hold and forcing Peña to tap out with only seconds remaining in the second round, officially ending the bout at 4:55.
Harrison delivered a dominant performance to defeat Peña, setting the stage for what could be the biggest fight in women`s MMA history with Nunes`s eagerly awaited return to the UFC.
