The fact that I am now the women’s bantamweight champion in the UFC is something that I have been working towards for a long time,” Harrison said with a smile. “But now that it has actually happened, it’s almost hard to believe.”
Harrison, who is known for her dominant grappling skills, showcased her talent once again in her fight against Julianna Pena at UFC 316. Pena, the former champion, was no match for Harrison’s ground game, and she ultimately succumbed to a second-round submission.
Reflecting on her victory, Harrison revealed that the weight cut leading up to the fight was one of the most challenging aspects of her preparation. “Cutting weight is never easy, but I had an amazing team around me that helped me through it,” she explained. “It’s all part of the process, and I knew that it would be worth it in the end.”
Looking ahead, Harrison is already thinking about her next challenge in the Octagon – a potential fight against Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. “Amanda is a phenomenal athlete, and I have nothing but respect for her,” Harrison said. “If the opportunity arises for us to face off, I would be honored to share the cage with her.”
During her interview on “TMZ Sports,” Harrison also touched on the support she has received from fans and the MMA community following her championship win. “The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming,” she said. “I am grateful for everyone who has believed in me and cheered me on throughout my career.”
As she continues to bask in the glow of her victory, Harrison remains focused on her goals and determined to cement her legacy as one of the best in the sport. “This is just the beginning for me,” she declared. “I have big plans for the future, and I am ready to take on whatever challenges come my way.”
With her unwavering determination and unparalleled skill set, Kayla Harrison is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of MMA. As she sets her sights on even greater heights, fans can expect to see her continue to shine in the Octagon for years to come. Kayla Harrison has finally reached the mountaintop of her career, becoming the bantamweight champion in a thrilling fight. “Like, in just the fact that it’s something I’ve wanted for so long and yeah, realizing a dream, it feels crazy,” Kayla said of reaching the pinnacle of her sport.
But despite the glory of winning the championship belt, Kayla is quick to point out that being a champion doesn’t exempt her from everyday responsibilities. “At the same time, the bantamweight strap doesn’t straighten up the house, or feed the kids … meaning the champ is already back on mommy duty. In fact, Kayla told us she was in the middle of doing laundry when we spoke,” she shared.
For Kayla, her two children, Emery and Kyla, are the real prize in her life. “I’m so blessed to have Emery and Kyla. I think often about they are the real prize. If I had been coming home with a UFC belt to an empty house, the thought of that makes me want to cry. Like I can’t even imagine my life without them. And so, yeah, they are the prize,” she expressed.
Despite the demands of motherhood, Kayla remains focused on her fighting career and is grateful for the support she receives from her family. “I know how tough Julianna is. This girl beat Amanda. I expected 25 hard minutes. I really mentally prepared for that,” Harrison told us, saying her early success in the fight “felt too good to be true.”
As for the future, Kayla is ready to defend her title and continue her winning streak. “Even in the first round, I felt like I had opportunities to unleash, but I kind of told myself, ‘listen, 25 minutes is a long time. Let’s pace ourselves,” she said.
With her determination, skill, and support system, there’s no doubt that Kayla Harrison will continue to achieve greatness both inside and outside the Octagon.
