Exciting developments are unfolding in the world of women's mixed martial arts, particularly with Kayla Harrison's recent victory. On Saturday, at UFC 316, Harrison claimed the women's bantamweight championship by defeating former two-time titleholder Julianna Pena via submission in the second round. This win has not only earned Harrison the title but also set the stage for a much-anticipated showdown with Amanda Nunes.
Nunes, who is widely regarded as the greatest female mixed martial artist of all time, was present at octagon side during the UFC 316 co-main event. Following Harrison's impressive win, Nunes entered the cage for a face-off with the newly crowned champion. Nunes retired in 2023 to focus on her family, but she has reportedly resumed training twice a day, and fans are eager to see her back in action. Previously, Nunes held both the 135-pound and 145-pound championships simultaneously, a feat that speaks to her dominance in the sport.
Harrison is eager to take on Nunes, expressing her willingness to fight in either weight class, stating, “I'm open to fight at 145 or 135. I just want to fight. I definitely want to fight Amanda. She’s the greatest of all time. I want to be the greatest of all time. I've wanted that for a long time now. It's not personal. There's no bad blood. I don't care what weight we fight at.”
The two athletes share a history, having been teammates at American Top Team before Nunes left the gym in 2022, anticipating this potential match-up. Harrison respects Nunes' time and training, acknowledging the former champion’s absence from the sport for two years. She said, “I'm going to give Amanda as much time as she needs to prepare. I want her to be her best. I'm going to be the best me. We're going to go in there and make some absolute magic in the women's division.”
Harrison is focused on creating a significant impact in women's MMA, aiming to “break some records and make some history. We're going to make a lot of money doing it. We’re going to bring women’s MMA to a whole new level.” When asked about the location for a potential fight, she humorously remarked, “I'd fight her on Mars. I don't care,” showcasing her commitment and excitement for this match-up.
This face-off between Harrison and Nunes is not just a fight; it represents an evolving landscape in women's mixed martial arts, promising thrilling action and significant storytelling. With Harrison's rise as champion and Nunes' legacy as a pioneer, fans are on the edge of their seats awaiting this epic confrontation. Whether in Las Vegas or elsewhere, this is a fight that will undoubtedly make waves in the world of combat sports.
As the anticipation builds, both fighters have set their sights on not just competing against each other, but on elevating the sport to new heights. With accomplished athletes like Harrison and Nunes leading the charge, women's MMA is poised for a bright and exciting future.
