Julianna Pena's reign as the UFC women's bantamweight champion ended dramatically at UFC 316, held over the weekend in Newark, New Jersey. In the co-main event, Kayla Harrison submitted Pena in the second round using a kimura, claiming the UFC women's 135-pound title. Harrison's victory marks a significant milestone in her career, as she has now transitioned from Olympic gold medalist to UFC champion.
Notably present in the arena was Amanda Nunes, a former two-division champion, who made her way into the octagon after Harrison's win. This unexpected appearance hints at a future matchup between Nunes and Harrison, two fighters with a shared past as former teammates. Fans eagerly anticipate this clash, especially given the history both fighters share.
In response to her defeat, a visibly disappointed Julianna Pena addressed her supporters through social media. She expressed heartfelt gratitude for the encouragement she received during her training, stating, "Thank you to the fans who lifted me with your love and encouragement during this #fightcamp. I love you all and feel so grateful for all the support and energy you guys give me—it truly means the world! I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get the job done. I’m super disappointed, but hats off to Kayla on her win." Pena added that she is eager to get back into the cage and is "calling dibs on the winner" of the upcoming Harrison vs. Nunes fight.
Pena first captured the UFC bantamweight title by defeating Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 in December 2021, a victory celebrated as a major upset. However, Nunes avenged this loss in their rematch at UFC 277, subsequently announcing her retirement from the sport. After securing the championship again at UFC 307, Pena won a close split decision against Raquel Pennington.
Kayla Harrison, before her run in the UFC, established herself as a dominant force in mixed martial arts. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo and a two-time Professional Fighters League (PFL) women's lightweight champion. Harrison made her octagon debut at UFC 300, where she faced and decisively defeated former champion Holly Holm. Following this victory, she continued her ascent by defeating Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307, which set the stage for her title shot against Pena.
The future of the women's bantamweight division is heating up with Harrison's championship win and the potential showdown with Nunes. As these fighters prepare for what lies ahead, the excitement surrounding the UFC continues to grow. Fans can expect thrilling bouts and fierce competition, especially with Pena poised to reclaim her title opportunity.
