Tag: Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison Warned That She Could ‘Be In Trouble’ Against Ketlen Vieira At UFC 307

UFC 307 this Saturday in Salt Lake City brings huge implications for the women’s bantamweight division. With the title set to be defended in the co-main event of the evening, there’s a huge match-up earlier on in the night that could decide the next title challenger. Former PFL star Kayla Harrison made a big impact […]

Continue Reading Kayla Harrison Warned That She Could ‘Be In Trouble’ Against Ketlen Vieira At UFC 307 at MMA News.

UFC 307 this Saturday in Salt Lake City brings huge implications for the women’s bantamweight division.

With the title set to be defended in the co-main event of the evening, there’s a huge match-up earlier on in the night that could decide the next title challenger.

Former PFL star Kayla Harrison made a big impact on her Octagon debut at UFC 300, where she dominated Holly Holm before finding the finish.

A lot of the narrative heading into her next fight has been about the former Olympic gold medallist getting the next shot, but to do that, she must get past Ketlen Vieira.

Henry Cejudo Says Ketlen Vieira Can Be A Big Test For Kayla Harrison On The Feet

It cannot be overlooked how big of an opportunity this fight also is for Brazil’s Vieira.

As the #2-ranked contender in the division, a win will also guarantee her a title shot thanks to the wins she has been able to accumulate in recent years.

Vieira did lost a split decision to the current champion Raquel Pennington but beating Harrison will be a massive statement for her.

On a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, former UFC champ-champ Henry Cejudo outlined where he believes that Vieira could win this fight despite the confidence that surrounds Harrison right now.

“It’s hard to bet against a girl like Kayla Harrison but I think out of all the girls right now at 135-pounds that could match her strength, because you know Vieira’s a Judo blackbelt as well and she’s got, in my opinion, she has better hands than Harrison. So it’s going to come down to the wrestling and I do feel like Kayla Harrison is going to bring the wrestling in and that’s just what’s going to change it. But, if Vieira can keep it on her feet, I think Kayla could be in trouble dude. Her striking is no joke man.”

Read also: Alex Pereira Makes Charity Bet With Khalil Rountree Over UFC 307 No Takedown Promise

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Kayla Harrison Expects to Be Backup For Bantamweight Title Fight at UFC 307: ‘On 30 Seconds Notice, I Will Step In’

Kayla Harrison Expects to Be Backup For Bantamweight Title Fight at UFC 307: 'On 30 Seconds Notice, I Will Step In'Kayla Harrison is more than ready to step in if the UFC needs a short-notice replacement in Salt Lake…

Kayla Harrison Expects to Be Backup For Bantamweight Title Fight at UFC 307: 'On 30 Seconds Notice, I Will Step In'

Kayla Harrison is more than ready to step in if the UFC needs a short-notice replacement in Salt Lake City.

On Saturday, October 5, the promotion will head back to The Crossroads of the West with a couple of world title fights in tow. In the UFC 307 main event, Alex Pereira will defend his light heavyweight title for the third time in 2024 when he meets heavy-hitting standout Khalil Rountree.

In the co-main event, bantamweight women’s champion Raquel Pennington will put her gold on the line against ex-titleholder Julianna Pena in a bout that will likely see the winner tasked with taking out Kayla Harrison next.

Kayla Harrison will ‘1000% Percent’ accept backup role

Harrison will also be featured on the card as she’s scheduled to face Ketlen Vieira in what will likely be a title eliminator — at least on Harrison’s side of things. However, if either Pennington or Pena are unable to make the walk come fight night, the two-time Olympic gold medalist will gladly step in and take her title shot earlier than expected.

“That’s what I heard,” Harrison told MMA Fighting about serving as backup for the co-main event. “I mean that’s what I’m planning. My mindset is Ketlen Vieira, whoop her ass and be prepared for the unknown. If I have to step in on short notice and fight, I will, absolutely. One thousand percent. On 30 seconds’ notice I will step [in]. Even after I fight Ketlen, if someone gets hurt in the back, I will still fight that fight.”

Kayla Harrison

Harrison made her promotion debut in April, scoring a dominant first-round submission victory via rear-naked choke at UFC 300 in Las Vegas.

Kayla Harrison

That immediately moved Harrison to No. 3 in the bantamweight rankings. If she comes out on top against Vieira this weekend, she’ll move up one spot, settling in right behind ‘The Venezuelan Vixen.’

Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison Discusses Worst Case Scenario If Julianna Peña Wins Title: ‘That Would Really Piss Me Off…’

When it was revealed that Kayla Harrison would not be challenging for the UFC bantamweight title next time out, her goal became very clear. At UFC 307, she will fight Ketlen Vieira on the same night that Raquel Pennington defends the title against Julianna Peña. If Harrison is able to go out there and put […]

Continue Reading Kayla Harrison Discusses Worst Case Scenario If Julianna Peña Wins Title: ‘That Would Really Piss Me Off…’ at MMA News.

When it was revealed that Kayla Harrison would not be challenging for the UFC bantamweight title next time out, her goal became very clear.

At UFC 307, she will fight Ketlen Vieira on the same night that Raquel Pennington defends the title against Julianna Peña.

If Harrison is able to go out there and put on a dominant performance like she did on her Octagon debut at UFC 300, there will be no denying that she is next for the winner of the co-main event.

The former PFL star is raring to go with dreams of becoming a UFC champion seemingly now within her reach.

There is one potential issue with her plan and that involves hearing “and new” on October 5, in Salt Lake City.

Kayla Harrison Says Juliana Peña Taking Time Off As Champion Would Be Frustrating For Her

Harrison has made it pretty clear that though the belt is her main objective, beating Peña for it would be an added incentive following their back-and-forth comments in recent times.

In a recent interview with Kevin Iole, it was mentioned that if Peña does win the bantamweight title back, it could be a while before we see her defend it.

“The Venezuelan Vixen” hasn’t fought in over two years and has never been the most active fighter on the roster to begin with.

Harrison said that though she doesn’t want to waste her energy thinking about a problem that is out of her hands, it would be very frustrating for her if she has to wait for Peña to defend the belt.

“I try not to [think about the long breaks] because control what you can control and trust the UFC, trust that they have a plan but yeah, that would really p*** me off. I’m looking to stay active so hopefully… all is well, I can’t control it. It’s out of my hands but yeah.”

Read also: UFC Superstar Kayla Harrison On The Importance Of Being A Role Model: ‘You’ll Never See Me With DUIs Or Scandals…’

Continue Reading Kayla Harrison Discusses Worst Case Scenario If Julianna Peña Wins Title: ‘That Would Really Piss Me Off…’ at MMA News.

UFC 307: Previewing the Biggest and Best Fights Set for Salt Lake City

UFC 307 is set for October 5 in Salt Lake City, and it looks like it could be an unforgettable night for the fans packed into the Delta Center and those tuned…

UFC 307 is set for October 5 in Salt Lake City, and it looks like it could be an unforgettable night for the fans packed into the Delta Center and those tuned…

UFC Superstar Kayla Harrison On The Importance Of Being A Role Model: ‘You’ll Never See Me With DUIs Or Scandals…’

Kayla Harrison recently shared her thoughts on the crucial role of being a positive influence, particularly for the younger generation. She stands as a beacon of mastery in women’s combat sports. Her unmatched accomplishments speak volumes, positioning her as the very definition of greatness. Harrison began her judo career in 2008, swiftly dominating her competition […]

Continue Reading UFC Superstar Kayla Harrison On The Importance Of Being A Role Model: ‘You’ll Never See Me With DUIs Or Scandals…’ at MMA News.

Kayla Harrison recently shared her thoughts on the crucial role of being a positive influence, particularly for the younger generation. She stands as a beacon of mastery in women’s combat sports. Her unmatched accomplishments speak volumes, positioning her as the very definition of greatness.

Harrison began her judo career in 2008, swiftly dominating her competition at both the Junior and World Judo Championships with an unstoppable streak. She then carried that momentum into the 2012 London Olympics, where she etched her name in history by securing the United States’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in judo.

Harrison replicated her Olympic triumph at the 2016 Rio Games, claiming her second gold medal in the 78 kg division. Following this historic achievement, the 34-year-old Ohio native set her sights on the world of MMA. She made her debut under the PFL banner in July 2018, and within just two years, she ascended to the top, capturing the promotion’s women’s lightweight championship.

After an impressive 16-1 run in the PFL, Harrison made her long-awaited UFC debut in spectacular fashion, dismantling former champion Holly Holm at UFC 300 this past April – that too in bantamweight, a weight class she had never previously competed in.

Harrison’s career has been marked by nothing but success, and she remains focused on staying above the fray in her quest to be a shining example for others to follow.

Harrison On Being Role Model: ‘I Take It Very Seriously’

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Harrison was asked about leveraging her popularity to inspire young girls to pursue MMA. The former PFL lightweight champion expressed that being a role model is a responsibility she takes to heart, and it remains one of her ongoing goals.

“My goal is always to be the light in the world that I want to see,” Harrison said. “I take being a role model very seriously. I consider it an honor and a responsibility.”

She emphasized that this is why she makes a conscious effort to avoid any controversy, ensuring that kids can look up to her as a positive example.

“That’s why, hopefully, knock on wood; as long as I don’t have a nervous breakdown, you’ll never see me with DUIs or scandals or anything like that because of how I carry myself. I want little girls and boys all over the world to know that if you work hard, surround yourself with people who believe in you and believe in yourself; there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.”

Harrison is preparing for her second appearance in the Octagon, where she’ll face Ketlen Vieira in a pivotal clash at UFC 307 that could serve as a bantamweight title eliminator. The pay-per-view event is set to take place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 5.

Continue Reading UFC Superstar Kayla Harrison On The Importance Of Being A Role Model: ‘You’ll Never See Me With DUIs Or Scandals…’ at MMA News.

Ailín Pérez Plans To Ask ‘Friend Dana White’ For Main Event vs. Kayla Harrison After UFC Paris 

UFC women’s bantamweight Ailín Pérez is hoping for big things to be in her future should she have her hand raised in the French capital this weekend. Pérez lost her UFC debut at the promotion’s very first event in Paris two years ago, falling via submission to Stephanie Egger in the second round. Since then, […]

Continue Reading Ailín Pérez Plans To Ask ‘Friend Dana White’ For Main Event vs. Kayla Harrison After UFC Paris  at MMA News.

UFC women’s bantamweight Ailín Pérez is hoping for big things to be in her future should she have her hand raised in the French capital this weekend.

Pérez lost her UFC debut at the promotion’s very first event in Paris two years ago, falling via submission to Stephanie Egger in the second round. Since then, the Argentine has reeled off three straight wins to enter the rankings at 135 pounds.

Now, she’ll return to France in pursuit of righting the wrong from 2022 and further advancing her ambitions on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

To achieve victory inside the Accor Arena at the second time of trying, Pérez must stall the surge of Dariya Zheleznyakova, a 9-1 bantamweight who boasts history competing on French soil owing to her days under the Ares FC banner.

Despite that, “Fiona” expects an easy night at the office come fight night on Saturday. And after making a statement, she plans to put her crosshairs on a big name in the division…

Pérez Targeting Harrison Clash: ‘That’s The Fight I Need To Prove I’m Worthy!’

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Pérez predicted a comfortable victory in Paris and reiterated her desire to hand Kayla Harrison the first defeat of her UFC career.

“Fiona” outlined her intention to request a maiden main event from CEO Dana White following this weekend’s event, and be it Harrison or another of the division’s high-ranked names, the 29-year-old wants to stake her claim for a title shot.

“After finishing Darya, I’m going to ask my friend Dana White for a main event fight, preferably against Kayla Harrison,” Perez said in Spanish (translation by Danny Segura). “We’re still insisting on that fight because that’s the fight I need to prove I’m worthy of fighting for a belt.

“If not, Norma (Dumont) if she stops running from me. She only wants to fight with people above her in the rankings, and that’s OK, but part of the reason why she’s in the rankings is that she hasn’t fought and lost to me. So Dumont or Julianna Peña, who’s a punching bag.”

For now, Harrison has another assignment to focus on ahead of an expected title shot down the line.

After dominating Holly Holm on debut at UFC 300, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time PFL title winner will meet Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 early next month. The winner is expected to challenge whomever emerges from the championship co-main event between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña with the title.

With that in mind, Pérez may be a few wins away from earning a crack at Harrison. But should she defend her spot in the top 15 against her Russian foe on Sept. 28, a bigger assignment would no doubt await her next time out.

Continue Reading Ailín Pérez Plans To Ask ‘Friend Dana White’ For Main Event vs. Kayla Harrison After UFC Paris  at MMA News.