Tag: Julianna Pena

Kayla Harrison Offers To Take Julianna Peña Under Her Mentorship

Kayla Harrison is offering to help Julianna Peña with her business. Two of the most powerful women in MMA today are UFC bantamweight champion Julianna Peña and reigning PFL champion Kayla Harrison. These two have been battling it out with words recently but Harrison has also been campaigning to battle it out with Peña inside…

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Kayla Harrison is offering to help Julianna Peña with her business.

Two of the most powerful women in MMA today are UFC bantamweight champion Julianna Peña and reigning PFL champion Kayla Harrison. These two have been battling it out with words recently but Harrison has also been campaigning to battle it out with Peña inside the cage.

Harrison had teased a cross-promotional bout with Peña, but she recently re-signed with PFL, thus making the chances of them fighting slim. However, Harrison is willing to link up with Peña outside of the cage, to discuss business after Peña took a shot at Harrison for trash-talking when ‘she knows the fight could never happen.’

“This is the stuff I hate. I encourage Julianna to really understand the business, and how contracts work especially for her sake because I don’t think she gets paid what probably she should get paid,” she told Morning Kombat (h/t Middle Easy).

Harrison has taken some heat from Peña as of late. She was criticizing the level of competition that she has faced so far at PFL. Peña has also commented on Amanda Nunes’ departure from American TopTeam, the gym that Harrison currently trains out of. Despite the hits from Peña, Harrison is still willing to share some financial insights.

“I encourage her to reach out. She can ask me for help if she needs it on how to get your worth and not sign seven-year contracts and not sign your life away to a promotion,” she added. “I have nothing but respect for her.”

Peña is a new champion and is heading straight to her first title defense. She will rematch Nunes after this current season of The Ultimate Fighter. The first task is Amanda Nunes, then perhaps she can tackle the shots coming from Harrison.

What do you think of Kayla Harrison’s offer to help Julianna Peña?

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Kayla Harrison Warns Those Calling For Julianna Peña Fight: ‘You’re Going To Get Her Seriously Hurt’

Kayla HarrisonTwo-time PFL lightweight tournament, victor, Kayla Harrison has warned media and those who have campaigned for her to fight UFC bantamweight champion, Julianna Pena, that the Washington native would be “seriously hurt” if they competed against each other. Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo, boasts a 12–0 professional record, most recently defeated […]

Kayla Harrison

Two-time PFL lightweight tournament, victor, Kayla Harrison has warned media and those who have campaigned for her to fight UFC bantamweight champion, Julianna Pena, that the Washington native would be “seriously hurt” if they competed against each other.

Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo, boasts a 12–0 professional record, most recently defeated Taylor Guardado in the final of last year’s PFL lightweight tournament with a second round armbar.

For Pena, the recently minted bantamweight champion managed to scoop the undisputed title back in December of last year in the co-main event of UFC 269 – handing former two-weight champion, Amanda Nunes a massive upset, rear-naked choke submission loss.

Pena has since coached the new instalment of The Ultimate Fighter rematch against Nunes, ahead of a bantamweight title rematch between the duo later this summer, however, has been linked with a bout against Harrison as the latter attempts to land a series of high-profile career wins.

Kayla Harrison issues warning to those who call for her to fight Julianna Peña

Sharing her thoughts on a potential matchup against Pena, Harrison, who recently penned a deal with PFL to compete in this season’s lightweight tournament, warned media and those calling for the fight with Pena, that they would get the bantamweight champion badly hurt.

“Listen, you and the media need to be careful,” Kayla Harrison said during an interview with MMA Fighting. “You’re going to get somebody hurt and it’s going to be on your hands, not mine. Because you’re going to get a girl hurt. You’re going to get her (Julianna Pena) really, seriously hurt, and it’s not going to be on my conscience because you guys did this.”

“You guys gave her (Pena) this platform and you allowed her to think that she could stand in a cage with me and beat me and you gave her this delusion,” Kayla Harrison explained. “I mean it. You guys are to blame. If I ever get the pleasure of fighting her, whatever happens, I want all of you guys to go and look in the mirror and know that you did that. ‘Cause you are stirring it and I’m very frustrated that I can’t just beat her ass.” 

Previously, Pena had claimed that Harrison was just “running her mouth” on a potential UFC move, and insisted that she had signed her life away to the PFL with her new deal.

“Kayla’s (Harrison) just running her mouth because she knows nothing’s ever going to happen of it, you know?” Julianna Pena said. “She just signed her life away to PFL. So best of luck with that. I hope it’s good. Make your career off of beating tomato cans. That’s great.” 

Peña Admits She’s Going To Be The Most Annoying Cornerperson Ever

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña has sent a warning ahead of the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter: expect noise. Having won gold on MMA’s biggest stage in memorable fashion last December, Peña is set to return to her roots ahead of her first title defense later this year. Opposite Amanda Nunes, whom she…

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UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña has sent a warning ahead of the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter: expect noise.

Having won gold on MMA’s biggest stage in memorable fashion last December, Peña is set to return to her roots ahead of her first title defense later this year. Opposite Amanda Nunes, whom she dethroned at UFC 269, “The Venezuelan Vixen” will feature as a coach on this year’s edition of TUF, a reality show she won back in 2013.

At the culmination of the series, which premieres tomorrow night (May 3), Peña and Nunes will meet inside the Octagon for the second time.

As well as prepping for her rematch with the consensus female MMA GOAT, Peña will have had the challenge of developing and preparing her team for their own pursuit of a place in the UFC.

Given her vocal nature and confidence on the mic, it’ll perhaps come as no surprise that Peña’s boisterous personality shines through when she’s working with her pupils, something she’s warned viewers to expect when she’s present in her fighters’ corner.

Peña: “You’re Gonna Hear Me”

During a media scrum prior to the filming of TUF 30, Peña discussed her coaching stint, and how much she expects her competitive nature to transition to the different role.

After claiming that she’s a sought-after mind when it comes to being in the corner of local fighters, “The Venezuelan Vixen” suggested that’s down to two things: intelligence and volume.

With that in mind, the champion gave an early indication of the “annoying” presence fans can expect from her when watching Team Peña in action this season.

“When it comes to fighting, and I’ll just throw this forewarning out there, where I’m from, people would like, beg me to be their corner,” said Peña. “And I think it’s because they respect me as a fighter, but I also think it’s because I’m very loud. I have a very loud voice. It carries.

Video: Julianna Pena Goes "Full Blast" For Tate vs. Nunes At UFC 200

“So they would ask me to be in their corner because they know that if they get in a pinch, not only do I know what I’m talking about, I’m very loud and they’re gonna be able to hear me.

“So I’m just throwing it out there, please, caution to the wind, I’m probably gonna be the most annoying corner on Earth. However, if these fighters are fighting the way they should, and if they’re doing what they should be doing, you won’t hear a peep outta me.”

In an ideal world, Peña says her fighters would do everything perfectly and her advice won’t be needed. But given the developmental nature of TUF, it seems safe to say that we can expect some “squawking” from the bantamweight queen throughout this year’s edition.

“I want to make sure that they’re the best fighters that they can possibly be, and so I’m gonna get them ready for these fights in the short amount of time that we have. I’m gonna hope that I’m not squawking like a bird in their corner and they’re just gonna do their thing, and that they know what they’re doing. But, of course, with that being said, you’re gonna hear me,” concluded Peña.

Are you excited for this year’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, coached by Julianna Peña and Amanda Nunes?

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Julianna Peña Explains Why There Isn’t A Fighter Union

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña has explained why a union hasn’t been formed to help combat perceived issues with fighter pay. The topic of fighter remuneration has existed for a long time and has been at the forefront of discussions in recent years. Whether due to Francis Ngannou’s dispute with the UFC before and…

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UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña has explained why a union hasn’t been formed to help combat perceived issues with fighter pay.

The topic of fighter remuneration has existed for a long time and has been at the forefront of discussions in recent years. Whether due to Francis Ngannou’s dispute with the UFC before and after his UFC 270 unification fight with Ciryl Gane or through the posts and words of YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, most are aware and have an opinion on the debate.

One thing that’s often been brought up as a potential way to solve contractual shortcomings is a fighter union. While the likes of former UFC fighter Kevin Lee believe the formation of a union is “inevitable,” others, including Bellator analyst Josh Thomson, don’t think there will ever be one in MMA.

Seemingly falling on the latter, less optimistic side of that argument is Peña. During an appearance on The Pivot Podcast, “The Venezuelan Vixen” suggested a union is unlikely, owing to the fact there will always be fighters willing to compete for the same money and under the same conditions should others refuse.

“It’s a big thing (financial struggles). It’s a big trouble that fighters are having and have been trying to fix for years, with getting unions done,” said Peña. “It’s hard, because it’s like, we want a union, and then it’s like, ‘Well, I’ll just pay this guy 5/5 and he’s gonna show up, and he’s gonna do it, and I’m gonna put some shorts on him and he’s gonna jump at the opportunity to go fight.’

“So, it’s like you’re disposable. They love you, but you’re only as good as your last fight and if they don’t like you, you’re gone and have to find something else to do,” concluded Peña.

Despite Julianna Peña’s skepticism, it does seem the demand and conversation have perhaps led the sport as close to a union as it ever has been. It’s arguable that push is down to one man.

Jake Paul Has Been Leading The Union Charge

As well as venturing into the ring for his own career in professional boxing, which has seen him go 5-0 and knock out former MMA champions Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren, Jake Paul has been a prominent voice when it comes to fighter pay.

Beyond social media posts and criticism of promotions like the UFC, Paul has even offered to retire from boxing and enter the Octagon in exchange for fighter health care and improved checks.

He’s also somewhat put his money where his mouth is, providing hefty paydays for Askren and Woodley. Also, through his promotion of Amanda Serrano, he’s brought a new level of attention and wealth into the female side of pugilism.

While some continue to dismiss the idea of a fighter union, “The Problem Child” has repeatedly labeled it as the “end game” when it comes to improving contractual agreements.

“I want to create a fighters’ union,” said Paul during an appearance on ESPN’s The First Take. “This is my goal to really impact the whole entire sport, both MMA and boxing, and leave an everlasting stamp. I just so happen to not be beholden to anybody. A lot of these UFC fighters they are beholden to Dana White. They can’t speak out against him, so I’m using my platform because I’m one of a very few people who actually can.”

While that apparent goal is thought my many, including Julianna Peña, to be an impossible task, it seems unlikely Paul will cease his pursuit of improved pay in MMA, whether for genuine or for self-promotional reasons.

Do you think a fighter union is needed to combat complaints over contracts?

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Peña Slams Clark’s UFC 269 Doubts: What Does He Know About MMA?

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña has taken aim at Ryan Clark and her pre-UFC 269 detractors for doubting her title credentials. It’s safe to say that not many have backed up their pre-fight confidence in as emphatic a fashion as Peña did last December. Inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, “The Venezuelan Vixen” re-wrote a…

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UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña has taken aim at Ryan Clark and her pre-UFC 269 detractors for doubting her title credentials.

It’s safe to say that not many have backed up their pre-fight confidence in as emphatic a fashion as Peña did last December. Inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, “The Venezuelan Vixen” re-wrote a narrative that many fans and pundits had already proof-read and published.

With a second-round submission, Peña ended the two-division rule and seven-year unbeaten run of consensus female GOAT Amanda Nunes.

Prior to UFC 269, Peña had consistently exonerated an air of confidence that was far from synonymous with opponents of the “Lioness.” While most, including Nunes, branded it delusional and fake, the 32-year-old shocked the world by putting her money where her mouth was.

During a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast, the 135-pound queen explained where her confidence derived from.

“It was all about never having the opportunity to fight the champion… I got in the division with a purpose, I wanna be a champion. There’s a reason why I’m here, I wanna fight the best in the world. I’ve always gave myself the best chance to win, I just needed an opportunity,” said Peña. “I knew that I was confident. If you’re not confident, you probably shouldn’t be fighting. If you don’t think that you can be a champion, you should, I don’t know, do something else.

“You gotta believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, who’s gonna believe in you?” Peña questioned. “I had put in a ton of work and I was ready to have somebody let me off my chain.”

Peña then took aim at host Ryan Clark. The former American football safety has become a prominent figure in MMA since the start of his ESPN show with Daniel Cormier. In the lead-up to UFC 269, Clark had made his feelings on Peña’s chances, or lack of, pretty clear.

With a face-to-face opportunity to fire back, “The Venezuelan Vixen” didn’t waste the opportunity, laying into the 42-year-old before adding him as the latest stop on her ongoing “I told you so” tour.

“I came here to confront you (Clark) because I just find it absolutely ridiculous,” asserted Peña. “I’m like, ‘Wait a second, what does this guy know about the sport? He doesn’t know anything about MMA.’ And then he was so negative and was like, absolutely sure of himself that I was gonna lose, and I’m like, ‘Man, screw that guy.’ I came here to say, I told you so… You should have known that the machine does a really good job of propelling what they want forward.”

Clark went on to explain that his lopsided prediction came from his belief in Nunes’ abilities, rather than a lack of belief in Peña’s. That’s clearly not an excuse the champ is willing to accept.

Peña: Real Fans Knew I Could Beat Nunes

Setting her sights on her wider scope of detractors, Peña suggested that those who dismissed her chances of dethroning Nunes are ‘fake’ fans.

“Any like, real, true fan, would have known that I absolutely stood a chance,” claimed Peña. “Because I’ve been in the UFC just as long as these girls… Like I said, I was never given the opportunity. I was calling for the opportunity for many years. When you get that shot at the king, you better not miss.

“That was my mindset: Go in there, put the world on notice, let everybody know I’m still here, ‘Hello, remember me,’ give the division a breath of fresh air, and I just had to go in there and do my job,” concluded Peña.

Peña will have the chance to further hammer home that sentiment when she returns to the Octagon for her first title defense later this year.

In her way of further cementing her champion status will be a hungry and vengeful Nunes. The pair will collide following the conclusion of this year’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter, which features both as coaches.

What do you make of Julianna Peña’s assessment of those who doubted her title credentials?

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Casey O’Neill Pulled A Julianna Peña To Dana White At UFC 271

UFC women’s flyweight Casey O’Neill took a page out of bantamweight champion Julianna Peña’s book while speaking to Dana White prior to UFC 271. At UFC 271, O’Neill took another step towards title contention. She did so by sending veteran Roxanne Modafferi into retirement off the back of a loss. While she failed to maintain…

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UFC women’s flyweight Casey O’Neill took a page out of bantamweight champion Julianna Peña’s book while speaking to Dana White prior to UFC 271.

At UFC 271, O’Neill took another step towards title contention. She did so by sending veteran Roxanne Modafferi into retirement off the back of a loss.

While she failed to maintain her 100% finishing record in the UFC, “King Casey” did extend her perfect professional résumé to 9-0 with victory on the scorecards. In doing so, she moved up three places to #12 on the 125-pound ladder.

She also appeared to establish herself as the promotion’s newest villain with her Octagon interview and post-fight press conference remarks. if she’s believed, we can expect O’Neill to become “the best bad guy” we’ve ever seen in the coming months and years.

O’Neill Vowed To Capture Gold

With another jump closer to dominant flyweight ruler Valentina Shevchenko, O’Neill is beginning to attract attention as a possible title contender. But while she’s targeting a steady rise through every ranked 125lber first, the Scottish-Australian has gold in her sights, something she let Dana White know prior to her win against “The Happy Warrior.”

Discussing O’Neill’s performance during his appearance at the UFC 271 post-fight press conference, White revealed what the 24-year-old told him at the event’s ceremonial weigh-ins. She seemingly took the opportunity to make an ambitious promise to the UFC President.

“The thing about Roxanne is she’s very unassuming. But she’s a very tough, durable, awkward fighter to fight, and Casey beat her tonight,” said White. “She walked up to me on stage during the weigh-ins and said, ‘I’m going to be your next world champion.’ So I like her attitude, I like the way she fights, she’s aggressive, she’s tough, we’ll see what she does.”

O’Neill’s promise is reminiscent of the one given to the UFC President by reigning bantamweight queen Peña. After “The Venezuelan Vixen” upset the odds at UFC 269 by dethroning then-two-division champion Amanda Nunes, White revealed the newly-crowned titleholder had forecasted her own success to him before she’d joined the promotion.

The question is, can O’Neill make good on her promise like Peña did?

Do you think Casey O’Neill can replicate Julianna Peña’s bantamweight success at flyweight?

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