Newark, NJ – June 7, 2025 – FUJI SPORTS athlete Kayla Harrison has once again proven why she's one of the most dominant forces in combat sports. In front of a roaring crowd at Newark’s Prudential Center, Harrison submitted former champion Julianna Peña in the second round of UFC 316, claiming the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship in spectacular fashion.
This historic victory marks a new chapter in Harrison’s legendary journey—adding UFC gold to her two Olympic gold medals and multiple PFL titles. She is now one of the rare athletes to achieve elite success across judo, professional MMA, and the UFC.
The lead-up to UFC 316 wasn’t easy. Harrison endured a brutal 12–15-week training camp that tested her limits.
“It was insane,” she admitted. “Running, swimming, biking, dieting—at one point I thought I’d have to chop off my leg just to make weight.”
But the hard work paid off. Using her world-class judo base, Harrison controlled the fight from the clinch and ground positions, eventually securing a Kimura submission at 4:55 of Round 2.
In her emotional post-fight speech, Harrison reflected on the adversity she’s overcome:
“I’ve been through some stuff, but who I became as a result of that stuff—my spirit is unbreakable. My faith is unshakeable.”
“I prayed in the dark. I fought in the light. And God never left my side… My faith is unshakeable, and I'm really proud of that. That’s what this belt represents.”
As if UFC 316 wasn’t dramatic enough, MMA legend Amanda Nunes made her presence felt cageside and entered the Octagon after the fight—teasing what could become the biggest women’s fight in UFC history.
“We’re going to bring women’s MMA to a whole new level,” said Harrison. “If Amanda wants it, I’m ready. Let’s make history.”
This potential matchup promises to be a defining moment for women’s combat sports—Olympic pedigree versus UFC royalty.
