The celebration for UFC`s new women`s bantamweight champion, Kayla Harrison, is officially underway.
On Saturday at UFC 316, Harrison achieved a major milestone in her combat sports career, securing the title with a second-round submission victory over Julianna Peña. This win represents the successful culmination of the two-time Olympic judo gold medalist`s transition into mixed martial arts. Her achievement was recognized with a hero`s welcome when she returned to her training home, American Top Team (ATT), on Monday.
ATT is renowned as one of MMA`s most successful gyms, housing numerous champions. Harrison was greeted by a host of notable figures and fellow fighters, including UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja and former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier. Adding another belt to their collection, the Florida-based team welcomed Harrison back enthusiastically. Already a two-time PFL champion, Harrison was clearly overjoyed by this latest accomplishment.
Embracing her teammates throughout the gym, Harrison shared her excitement: “Yes, baby!!! We did it!”
However, Harrison`s journey isn`t complete. The new bantamweight queen is already lined up for a highly anticipated superfight and her first title defense against former American Top Team teammate Amanda Nunes. Nunes is reportedly coming out of retirement specifically for this long-awaited showdown.
