Kayla Harrison mauls Julianna Peña to become champion, faces off with Amanda Nunes after dominant UFC 316 submission

Kayla Harrison captured the UFC bantamweight championship with a dominant win over Julianna Peña at UFC 316. Harrison used her power and Olympic judo skills to control Peña from the start, quickly taking her to the mat and looking for submissions.

In round two, Harrison locked in a kimura, forcing Peña to tap out just seconds before the end of the round. After the fight, the moment took another big turn as Amanda Nunes, one of the biggest stars of women's MMA, entered the Octagon for a face-off with the new champion, setting up a highly anticipated next match between Harrison and Nunes.

Fans now look forward to a showdown many thought they would never see, as Harrison’s next opponent could be Amanda Nunes, the former champion and widely considered the greatest in women's MMA.

Kayla Harrison’s Dominant Championship Victory

Kayla Harrison controlled her UFC 316 title fight against Julianna Peña using wrestling, physical power, and submission skills. Her victory was built on tactical takedowns and precise grappling, ending with a strong finish on the ground.

Fight Overview And Key Moments

From the opening bell, Harrison showed her advantages in size and wrestling skill. She quickly secured takedowns and used heavy top control to tire out Peña. During the first round, Peña tried to defend, but Harrison methodically advanced position on the mat.

In the second round, Harrison again took Peña to the ground. She moved into dominant positions, keeping Peña from standing up or escaping. Just before the end of round two, Harrison locked in a fight-ending submission.

The referee stopped the contest when Peña tapped out, making Harrison the new UFC bantamweight champion. The crowd recognized Harrison’s ability not just to win, but to control nearly every second of the fight.

Submission Techniques: Kimura And Arm-Triangle Choke

Harrison used both the arm-triangle choke and the kimura during the bout. In round two, she nearly finished Peña with an arm-triangle choke, showing her understanding of pressure and leverage. Peña defended the first attempt but couldn’t get back to her feet.

Harrison smoothly switched to a kimura, quickly isolating Peña’s arm. The kimura is a shoulder lock, and Harrison applied steady force, turning it until Peña tapped almost immediately. The move was clean and left no doubt about the result.

Both techniques are common in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, sports where Harrison has elite experience as a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Her smooth transitions between submissions showed a high skill level and confidence under pressure.

Physical Dominance And Strategy

Harrison’s physical strength and athletic background set her apart in this matchup. From the first clinch, she used her power to control where the fight took place. Peña was rarely able to escape from underneath or create any offense of her own.

Harrison’s game plan was clear: close the distance, secure takedowns, and keep Peña grounded. This approach forced Peña to play defense, preventing her from using her striking or movement.

A simple but effective grappling-focused strategy, backed by world-class wrestling skills, allowed Harrison to become a UFC champion. Her success at UFC 316 added another achievement to an already impressive athletic career.

Julianna Peña’s Performance And Aftermath

Julianna Peña went into UFC 316 as a former champion, determined to reclaim the title. Although she faced a tough challenge in Kayla Harrison, Peña showed grit and professionalism throughout the fight and after it ended.

Peña’s Resistance And Tactics

Peña entered the octagon with a game plan focused on her striking and grappling. Early in the fight, she tried to keep her distance and land her jabs to slow down Harrison’s pressure. When Harrison closed the distance, Peña showed good defensive awareness by attempting to scramble back to her feet.

Despite absorbing several takedowns, Peña never stopped fighting. She used active guard work and tried to threaten with submissions from her back. At times, she looked for openings to escape, but Harrison’s top pressure and judo background made it difficult to create space. Peña’s endurance and refusal to quit were evident as she held on through heavy ground control until the final submission sequence.

Here is a comparison of Peña's approach versus Harrison's control:

Fighter	Approach	Successes
Peña	Striking, guard defense	Active from bottom, escapes
Harrison	Takedowns, top control	Maintained dominant position

Post-Fight Interaction And Respect

After the fight ended in a second-round submission, Peña showed sportsmanship and maturity. She immediately tapped, avoiding a serious injury from the kimura. Once the referee stepped in, Harrison and Peña exchanged respectful words and even embraced briefly, showing that mutual respect exists between competitors despite intense rivalry.

Both fighters’ post-fight behavior was noted by UFC fans and media. Harrison praised Peña’s toughness, while Peña offered her congratulations. This respectful exchange set a positive tone for the event and highlighted how athletes in high-stakes fights like UFC 316 can show class even after a tough loss.

The Faceoff With Amanda Nunes And Future Implications

Kayla Harrison’s win over Julianna Peña did more than earn her the UFC bantamweight belt. It set up a major fight with Amanda Nunes, which could define the course of both fighters’ careers and the women’s bantamweight division.

Significance Of The Amanda Nunes Showdown

The meeting between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes is highly anticipated for several reasons. Nunes, a former two-division UFC champion, is often called the greatest female MMA fighter ever. She retired as champion but has now indicated she will return to face Harrison, creating a showdown with huge attention.

This fight matches a two-time Olympic gold medalist and UFC champion, Harrison, against a legend who dominated the division for years. The clash of styles—Nunes’ striking and experience versus Harrison’s grappling—adds excitement. Fans want to see if Nunes can reclaim her spot, or if Harrison will make the division her own.

The stakes are higher because the winner will likely be seen as the true top fighter at bantamweight. With Nunes coming out of retirement, the buildup and faceoff inside the octagon have already started generating lead headlines and high expectations in MMA circles.

Potential Legacy And Champion Status

This bout has serious consequences for both fighters’ legacies and for the future of the UFC women’s division. If Kayla Harrison defeats Nunes, she would have wins over both Peña and the most respected champion in division history, putting her on a fast track to all-time status in MMA.

A win for Nunes, especially after coming out of retirement, would reinforce her status as the best female fighter to ever compete in the UFC. It would show that she can beat the next generation of champion, not just the contenders from her own era.

The aftermath of this fight could also influence future title shots, rankings, and how the division is remembered. For either Harrison or Nunes, victory means a new level of recognition and a stronger claim to the title of greatest UFC champion in the women’s bantamweight category.

Kayla Harrison’s Path To UFC And Previous Achievements

Kayla Harrison is a standout athlete with a background in Olympic judo, an undefeated PFL record, and now a rising star in the UFC. Her journey to the bantamweight title shows her ability to adapt, dominate, and handle tough moments, including rule controversies.

Transition From PFL To UFC

Kayla Harrison spent several years in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where she was known for her powerful grappling and dominant fights. Her move to the UFC was closely watched by fans and experts, as many wondered if she could repeat her PFL success against tougher competition.

Harrison signed with the UFC in 2023 after becoming one of the most talked-about athletes in MMA. The transition was marked by intense media attention due to her high-profile status and strong performances in the PFL. She made her UFC debut in 2024 and quickly moved up the ranks.

Her wrestling and judo skills allowed her to control fights and overwhelm opponents quickly. The shift from PFL's tournament style to the UFC's schedule did not slow her momentum; instead, Harrison adjusted her training and proved her ability to compete in the sport’s top promotion.

Achievements As PFL Champion

Harrison was a two-time PFL champion, capturing titles in both 2019 and 2021 in the women’s lightweight division. She maintained an unbeaten streak in the PFL, displaying skillful takedowns, ground control, and submissions in almost every fight.

List of PFL Highlights:

• 2019 PFL Women’s Lightweight Champion

• 2021 PFL Women’s Lightweight Champion

• Multiple post-fight bonuses for finishes and dominance

Her journey through the PFL highlighted her as one of the best female fighters outside the UFC, and her championship runs featured victories over established veterans and rising prospects. This experience helped build her strong reputation before joining the UFC.

Olympic Gold Medalist Legacy

Before her MMA career, Harrison was best known as an Olympic judoka. She won gold medals in judo at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics for Team USA. This achievement made her the first American to win Olympic gold in judo.

Major Accomplishments:

Year	Event	Medal
2012	Olympics	Gold
2016	Olympics	Gold

Her Olympic training developed her athleticism, discipline, and mental strength. These qualities transferred into her MMA performances and gave her a big advantage in close fights and grappling exchanges.

Discussion Of Illegal Upkicks And Controversies

Harrison's career has not been without controversy. In the PFL and early UFC appearances, there were a few moments where rules were tested, such as debates over illegal upkicks or accidental fouls during grappling exchanges. One notable incident in the PFL involved an opponent delivering an illegal upkick when Harrison was grounded, causing a brief halt and review of the fight.

Officials responded quickly, applying the rules and restarting the fight once Harrison recovered. These incidents highlighted the importance of fighter safety and correct rule enforcement. Harrison remained calm and professional, not using these situations as excuses but instead showing sportsmanship and focus.

Although none of these moments led to major penalties or altered the outcomes of her fights, they placed a spotlight on rule interpretation in MMA. Harrison’s response showed her ability to manage pressure and keep her composure during unexpected moments.