At UFC 316, Kayla Harrison delivered a commanding performance, decisively defeating Julianna Peña via submission in the second round to claim a championship title. Harrison`s physical superiority was evident from the fight`s opening moments as she effectively closed distance and secured takedowns, bringing Peña to the mat.
A crucial sequence unfolded in the second round. After another successful takedown, Harrison transitioned through dominant positions. She initially attempted an arm-triangle choke but expertly switched to a kimura submission. Recognizing the immediate threat of serious injury, Peña tapped out promptly at 4:55 of Round 2, making the two-time Olympic gold medalist a UFC champion.
Following her victory, Harrison and Peña shared a respectful moment, exchanging words in the cage. Harrison later commented on their post-fight interaction, stating, “We prayed for each other… It`s not personal. We`re here to fight, this is a business. I love what I do. I`m grateful that I had a great fighter like Julianna to bring out a better version of me.”
Before the celebration could fully begin, Harrison turned her attention to former double-champion Amanda Nunes, who was seated cageside. Harrison extended an invitation for Nunes to enter the octagon, setting the stage for a face-off between the former teammates now potential opponents.
“Amanda, I see you Amanda. Come on up, Amanda!” Harrison called out, signaling her desired next opponent. “This is the next fight.”
Nunes accepted the invitation, entered the cage, and shook Harrison`s hand. The “Lioness” confirmed her readiness, revealing that this potential matchup was something they had anticipated even during their time training together at American Top Team in Florida. “Yes, definitely [I`m coming back],” Nunes stated. “We knew this was going to happen. Now we`re going to do it.”
While a showdown with Nunes looms, Harrison first had to prove herself against Peña, which she did emphatically. The fight began with some striking, but Harrison quickly initiated the clinch, using the cage to set up her powerful wrestling. She secured a body lock and executed a slick inside trip to put Peña on the canvas.
From top control, Harrison dictated the action. During an exchange, Peña landed illegal up kicks from her back, prompting referee Vitor Ribeiro to pause the bout and deduct one point from Peña. Upon restarting on the feet, Harrison immediately resumed her relentless pursuit of the takedown.
Despite Peña`s defensive efforts, Harrison`s pressure was too much, and she successfully brought the fight back to the ground. Dominating from top, Harrison searched for finishing opportunities. After her arm-triangle attempt was impeded by the cage, she smoothly transitioned to the kimura. She swiftly torqued Peña`s arm, leaving Peña no choice but to tap out just seconds before the round concluded.
This dominant championship-winning performance against a respected opponent positions Kayla Harrison for what could be one of the biggest fights in women`s mixed martial arts history against the returning legend, Amanda Nunes.
Marcus Blakely