Kayla Harrison secured the UFC bantamweight championship with a decisive victory over Julianna Peña at UFC 316. This impressive win has immediately brought renewed focus onto a potential superfight against the decorated former champion, Amanda Nunes.
The prospect of Harrison facing Nunes, two of the most accomplished female combat sports athletes who once trained together at American Top Team, has been a topic of much discussion for years. The possibility seemed less likely after Nunes retired in 2023. However, with Harrison`s recent championship triumph by submitting Peña and Nunes hinting at a return to competition, the long-awaited dream matchup now appears to be a genuine possibility.
Immediately after her win, Harrison used her post-fight interview time to issue a challenge to Nunes, who was present cageside. Nunes subsequently entered the octagon, and the two shared a respectful moment, exchanging pleasantries and acknowledging the significance of a potential fight for their respective legacies.
Harrison adds this prestigious UFC title to her remarkable list of achievements, which includes two Olympic gold medals in judo and two PFL featherweight tournament championships. The question of whether she can overcome the formidable challenge posed by the returning “Lioness” is generating significant buzz, and the MMA community eagerly awaits to see if this highly anticipated contest will materialize.
