Tag: Kayla Harrison

PFL Founder Touts Superior Women’s Division After UFC 307 Harrison, Peña Wins

UFC 307 was a big night for the women’s bantamweight division due to two match-ups that took place right at the top of the rankings. Julianna Peña was able to reclaim the 135-pound title by defeating Raquel Pennington via split decision in the co-main event. Earlier on in the night, Kayla Harrison cemented her status […]

Continue Reading PFL Founder Touts Superior Women’s Division After UFC 307 Harrison, Peña Wins at MMA News.

UFC 307 was a big night for the women’s bantamweight division due to two match-ups that took place right at the top of the rankings.

Julianna Peña was able to reclaim the 135-pound title by defeating Raquel Pennington via split decision in the co-main event.

Earlier on in the night, Kayla Harrison cemented her status as the next in line by defeating Ketlen Vieira via a unanimous decision.

Harrison’s return to the Octagon wasn’t without comment from her former home, the PFL, who received some criticism for posting about her loss to Larissa Pacheco on the same evening.

The use of Harrison’s time spent in the PFL didn’t stop being talking point there after the promotion’s founder commented once again on the day after UFC 307.

Donn Davis Says PFL’s Women’s Division Would ‘Crush’ The UFC’s, Lays Down A Challenge To Prove It

In a post on X, PFL founder Donn Davis made a statement that was followed by a challenge to the UFC regarding the strength of their female roster.

He took Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco, who are set to face off on October 19, and put them up against the champion and top contender in the UFC’s 135-pound division.

Davis makes it clear that he would back Cyborg and Pacheco over Peña and Harrison and even offers to put money on it.

Following Dana White’s harsh comments regarding the success of the PFL in his post-UFC 307 press conference, Davis wrote “#DanaScared” underneath the post.

“It is clear from UFC 306 that @PFLMMA female division would crush @UFC. I am so confident… winner take all. PFL: Cyborg + Pacheco. UFC: Harrison + Peña. $2m to each fighter… losing company pays $8m total fighter purses”

Read also: Kayla Harrison On Being Bloodied For The First Time At UFC 307: ‘That Threw Me…’

Continue Reading PFL Founder Touts Superior Women’s Division After UFC 307 Harrison, Peña Wins at MMA News.

After UFC 307 Win, Kayla Harrison Declares Plan to Bring Amanda Nunes Back, ‘Take Everything’ and Prove She’s the GOAT

After UFC 307 Win, Kayla Harrison Declares Plan to Bring Amanda Nunes Back, 'Take Everything' and Prove She’s the GOATAfter her impressive win at UFC 307, Kayla Harrison is looking to capture UFC gold and then bring Amanda…

After UFC 307 Win, Kayla Harrison Declares Plan to Bring Amanda Nunes Back, 'Take Everything' and Prove She’s the GOAT

After her impressive win at UFC 307, Kayla Harrison is looking to capture UFC gold and then bring Amanda Nunes out of retirement for one final showdown.

Kayla Harrison

Since making her UFC debut, Kayla Harrison has impressed international MMA fans by submitting former champion Holly Holm and then defeating the top-ranked Ketlen Vieira. At UFC 307, “The Venezuelan Vixen” Julianna Peña took back her UFC bantamweight crown. This will set up a future showdown between Harrison and Peña with UFC gold on the line. But afterward, the US-born Harrison wants Amanda Nunes.

After winning gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics for Judo with Team USA, she transitioned to mixed martial arts, Harrison made her professional debut in 2018. She was able to become a two-time PFL MMA world champion over consecutive years and now competes in the UFC.

Kayla Harrison
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – OCTOBER 05: (R-L) Kayla Harrison battles Ketlen Vieira of Brazil in a bantamweight fight during the UFC 307 event at Delta Center on October 05, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Amanda Nunes

Amanda Nunes is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist regarded as the greatest female fighter in the history of the sport. She began her professional MMA career in 2008 and quickly made a name for herself in the UFC. Nunes is notable for being the first woman to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously, having been the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and the Featherweight Champion.

Amanda Nunes admits she almost retired after loss to Julianna Pena I think I'm done UFC
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Throughout her career, she achieved numerous accolades, including victories over prominent fighters like Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, and Cris Cyborg. She announced her retirement from MMA in June 2023 after successfully defending her bantamweight title.

On a podcast ahead of UFC 307, Kayla Harrison explained the plan. She outlined:

“I’m about to get this belt [UFC women’s bantamweight championship]. I’m going to get another belt, lure Amanda [Nunes] out of retirement and I’m going to f*cking take everything that she’s ever worked for and then Henry [Cejudo] is going to owe me 100 anytime pushups. And he will no longer be the greatest combat of all time.” [Ht Sportskeeda]

‘Looked Beatable’ – Fans Split As Kayla Harrison Outworks Ketlen Vieira At UFC 307

Kayla Harrison faced some adversity thanks to Ketlen Vieira’s game but still managed to score a decision win at UFC 307, potentially setting herself up to face the winner of tonight’s Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña women’s bantamweight title fight. The fight’s opening round was fairly quiet, with Harrison looking to find an opening. The […]

Continue Reading ‘Looked Beatable’ – Fans Split As Kayla Harrison Outworks Ketlen Vieira At UFC 307 at MMA News.

Kayla Harrison faced some adversity thanks to Ketlen Vieira’s game but still managed to score a decision win at UFC 307, potentially setting herself up to face the winner of tonight’s Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña women’s bantamweight title fight.

The fight’s opening round was fairly quiet, with Harrison looking to find an opening. The two-time PFL champion managed to get Vieira pinned against the fence, but the Brazilian successfully defended against the takedown and was able to work herself off. The final minute, however, saw Harrison land a big takedown and get in top position, searching for a submission and landing a vicious elbow before the horn.

Harrison maintained her control of the fight’s pacing through the second round, but Vieira landed a damaging elbow late in the round that left a hematoma on the two-time Olympic gold medalist.

By the halfway mark of the third round, Harrison was able to bloody up Vieira and scored another takedown, doing work in the #2-ranked contender’s guard.

Kayla Harrison Faces Challenges But Still Gets Judges’ Nod Over Ketlen Vieira At UFC 307

Harrison signed with the UFC in January 2024 after starting her MMA career with the PFL, becoming a two-time PFL women’s lightweight champion in the process. The 34-year-old made her Octagon debut at UFC 300, finishing Holly Holm.

Vieira, meanwhile, had won three of her last four entering Saturday’s event in Salt Lake City, which included wins over former champions Holm and Miesha Tate. She had most recently fought in July 2023, defeating Pannie Kianzad by decision in England.

Continue Reading ‘Looked Beatable’ – Fans Split As Kayla Harrison Outworks Ketlen Vieira At UFC 307 at MMA News.

‘Uncrowned Queen’ Kayla Harrison Fires Shots at Julianna Pena and Ketlen Vieira in Fiery UFC 307 Press Conference

'Uncrowned Queen’ Kayla Harrison Fires Shots at Julianna Pena and Ketlen Vieira in Fiery UFC 307 Press ConferenceAt the UFC 307 press conference, the top-ranked athletes Kayla Harrison and Julianna Pena had a heated exchange, with…

'Uncrowned Queen’ Kayla Harrison Fires Shots at Julianna Pena and Ketlen Vieira in Fiery UFC 307 Press Conference

At the UFC 307 press conference, the top-ranked athletes Kayla Harrison and Julianna Pena had a heated exchange, with Harrison making it clear she plans to dominate the bantamweight division. Although Harrison is set to face Ketlen Vieira, of Brazil, and Pena will fight Raquel Pennington for the title, their back-and-forth implied at a likely rivalry in the future.

Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison a two-time Olympic judo medalist with consecutive PFL lightweight titles to her name, stated that she’s on an unstoppable path to the UFC bantamweight title, no matter who currently holds it. She downplayed Pena’s UFC experience by highlighting her own 17-1 record compared to Pena’s 10-5. Pena shot back, criticizing the quality of Harrison’s past opponents.

Harrison responded:

“I have more finishes than Julianna has wins. I don’t know what she’s talking about. She better slow down … It doesn’t matter. It’s only a matter of time. I’m the uncrowned queen. First Saturday night, I smash Ketlen and then I come for my title. Enjoy it while you can ladies … [I] just got here? I won two Olympic gold medals. You started your career in 2009 and you’re 10-5. I started in 2018 and I’m 17-1.”

Who is Kayla Harrison
Kayla Harrison

Julianna Pena

The Venezuelan Vixen’ Julianna Pena is best known for her stunning submission win over Amanda Nunes in December 2021, which earned her the bantamweight title, which she would later lose to the ‘Lioness.’ She is now set to fight Raquel Pennington at UFC 307 for the bantamweight title, marking her return to the octagon after more than two years.

Pena said:

“I know violence. Kayla Harrison just got here to the scene… As far as I’m concerned, the last time she faced a Brazilian, she came running into the UFC … It’s easy to be 17-1 when you’re fighting freaking tomato cans.”

Ronda Rousey 'Blaming everybody else' with no accountability says Julianna Pena
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Ketlen Vieira

Vieira who is actually fighting Harrison at UFC 307, also voiced frustration about Harrison’s quick rise in the UFC, feeling it was an unfair “line skip.” Harrison, however, welcomed all challengers, showing confidence and a readiness to face anyone in the division.

Throughout her UFC career, Vieira, who holds a blackbelt in both Jiu Jitsu and Judo, has faced several high-profile opponents, including a significant victory over former champion Miesha Tate in November 2021. However, she also faced setbacks, including losses to Irene Aldana and Raquel Pennington.

Ketlen Vieira
Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

UFC 307

The Brazilian athlete said:

“Listen, it’s going to be really hard looking at your ugly face for me. It’s going to be OK when you look in the mirror …

“All of a sudden you come out here and you skip the line. Actually I had a loss then and I had a loss to Raquel Pennington, somebody active, the current champion, somebody I admire a lot and someone I mirror myself and my game and the way I behave myself [after]. Because I think coming here and actually being a champion is more than just coming here and saying a lot of bologna.”

Kayla Harrison concluded with:

“This is the difference between me and all of these girls. I come here and they complain ‘she skipped the line, she’s on steroids, it’s not fair, she shouldn’t do this, she shouldn’t do that.’ If this was my division, and I was the champion, I would say come the f*ck over and I’ll show you who’s champion.” [HT MMAFighting]

UFC 307: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Weigh-In Results

UFC 307 takes place tomorrow night, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results! After staging an event inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere last month, the mixed martial arts leader is back in Utah for its latest numbered card, which goes down inside Salt Lake City’s Delta Center. Two […]

Continue Reading UFC 307: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Weigh-In Results at MMA News.

UFC 307 takes place tomorrow night, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results!

After staging an event inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere last month, the mixed martial arts leader is back in Utah for its latest numbered card, which goes down inside Salt Lake City’s Delta Center.

Two titles will be on the line at the top of the card, with Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight belt against Khalil Rountree and Raquel Pennington staking the women’s bantamweight gold opposite Julianna Peña.

Also on the main card will be returns for UFC legend José Aldo, two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison, and fan favorite Kevin Holland.

UFC 307: Pereira vs. Rountree Weigh-In Results

UFC 307 takes place Saturday, October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT.

See above for a replay of the UFC 307 Weigh-In Show, and check out the full results below!

Main Card:

  • Light Heavyweight Championship: Alex Pereira (205lbs) vs. Khalil Rountree (205lbs)
  • Women’s Bantamweight Championship: Raquel Pennington (135lbs) vs. Julianna Peña (134.5lbs)
  • Bantamweight: José Aldo (136lbs) vs. Mario Bautista (136lbs)
  • Middleweight: Roman Dolidze (185.5lbs) vs. Kevin Holland (185.5lbs)
  • Women’s Bantamweight: Ketlen Vieira (136lbs) vs. Kayla Harrison (136lbs)

Preliminary Card:

  • Welterweight: Stephen Thompson (171lbs) vs. Joaquin Buckley (170.5lbs)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Marina Rodriguez (115.5lbs) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (116lbs)
  • Lightweight: Austin Hubbard (156lbs) vs. Alexander Hernandez (156lbs)
  • Middleweight: César Almeida (185.5lbs) vs. Ihor Potieria (185.5lbs)

Early Preliminary Card:

  • Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann (205.5lbs) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (205.5lbs)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Carla Esparza (115.5lbs) vs. Tecia Pennington (115lbs)
  • Welterweight: Court McGee (170lbs) vs. Tim Means (171lbs)

Continue Reading UFC 307: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Weigh-In Results at MMA News.