Former two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and two-time Professional Fighters League (PFL) lightweight champion, Kayla Harrison has carved a path to greatness in mixed martial arts. On Saturday, she captured the UFC bantamweight championship by defeating former two-time titleholder Julianna Peña via submission at UFC 316, which took place in Las Vegas. This victory not only adds to Harrison's already impressive résumé but also fuels her ambition to be recognized as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in women's MMA.
Fans and analysts eagerly watched as Harrison faced off against Peña, who had previously dominated the bantamweight division. Harrison’s win solidified her status as a top fighter, while also setting the stage for a potential showdown with the UFC's former face of women’s MMA, Amanda Nunes. Nunes, a two-time bantamweight champion who also held the featherweight title, was present at the event and has a history with Harrison, having trained alongside her at American Top Team before parting ways over training conditions. Following the championship bout, Nunes entered the octagon to confront Harrison, hinting at a potential future clash.
Amanda Nunes is regarded as the pinnacle of female fighters, having won championships in two weight classes and retiring in 2023 to focus on her family. With her recent return to training, speculation mounts about a comeback against Harrison, where the narrative will center around whether Harrison can truly dethrone the legendary Nunes. Many believe that for Harrison to cement her legacy, a victory over Nunes is essential.
Tom Aspinall, interim heavyweight champion and an observer of Harrison's recent performance, has expressed confidence in her abilities. Aspinall remarked on his YouTube channel that he believes Harrison will prevail against Nunes when the two finally meet. He emphasized Harrison's physicality, describing her as being in peak condition, even from a distance in the VIP section at UFC 300. Aspinall noted, “Honestly, you could see the definition on her shoulders and biceps from the VIP box.”
Aspinall continued to praise Harrison's capabilities, stating, “I think that strong base that she's got is too much for most girls. It's unbelievable top pressure, unbelievable base. Her striking is coming on as well. She understands the range.” Aspinall highlighted Harrison’s grappling prowess, asserting that once she gets close, her opponents are likely to end up on the mat. “If she gets anywhere near you, you’re going on your back. It’s as simple as that, and you're not going to be able to shift her off of you,” he said.
Harrison’s performance against Peña further solidifies her trajectory towards achieving GOAT status. Each fight brings her closer to proving her capabilities and readiness to face Nunes, whom many consider the ultimate test in the women’s MMA landscape. With Harrison's skill set and increasing reputation, the potential matchup between these two warriors is poised to be one of the most significant events in UFC history.
As the landscape of women’s MMA continues to evolve, Kayla Harrison stands at the forefront, determined to leave an indelible mark on the sport. Her sights are now set on challenging the top fighters and proving that she belongs in the discussion as the greatest of all time.
