Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Pena on the horizon after UFC 316

Saturday's UFC 316 was more than just another night in the cage. It marked the long-anticipated arrival of Kayla Harrison into the upper echelons of mixed martial arts, as the two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and two-time PFL lightweight champion finally claimed the UFC title with an impressive second-round submission over bantamweight champion Julianna Peña.

For Harrison, it wasn’t about hype or speculation, but rather expectation. Fans and pundits alike knew it was only a matter of time before the most decorated judoka in MMA transitioned from the PFL to the UFC and claimed the gold. On this night, that journey reached its destination.

A One-Sided Affair

From the moment the fight started, it was clear Harrison’s physicality and skill were too much for Peña to handle. The bantamweight champion had no answer to Harrison’s aggressive pressure and judo-based attack. Peña’s night took a dramatic turn in the first round when she illegally upkicked Harrison to the head not once, but twice. Referee Vitor Ribeiro wasted no time docking Peña a point, putting the champ at an immediate disadvantage.

Despite Peña’s best efforts to recover, the second round was no kinder. Harrison, imposing her size and strength, dominated the fight. When she locked in a kimura, it was clear the fight was nearing its end. Peña, unable to escape, tapped out quickly, and Harrison was crowned the new champion. The fight was so lopsided that by the time the second round concluded, Harrison would have been up by three points — a stark reminder of the gulf in skill and preparation between the two fighters.

What stood out after the bout, however, was Peña’s class. Despite the clear difference in skill, Peña accepted her defeat graciously, even sharing a prayer with Harrison before the official announcement of the win. The sportsmanship between the two, even after such a one-sided encounter, spoke volumes about the respect they have for each other.

The Next Chapter: Harrison vs. Nunes

But now, the real story begins. After securing her place at the top of the UFC, Harrison wasted no time setting her sights on the next big challenge: Amanda Nunes. Nunes, the former UFC bantamweight and featherweight champion and a soon-to-be UFC Hall of Famer, was in attendance at UFC 316 and confirmed that she would be coming out of retirement for the one fight fans have been waiting for years.

Nunes and Harrison have long been earmarked as two of the best female fighters in the world, with a potential showdown being the talk of the MMA world for years. Nunes, who retired at the age of 35 in 2023, left behind a legacy as one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. But now, with Harrison rising through the ranks, the MMA world is abuzz with the potential of what could be the most hyped women’s fight in the history of the sport.

Harrison, for her part, has always spoken with admiration about Nunes, but now she’s ready to take on the challenge of dethroning the former champion. “This is the greatest fighter of all time,” Harrison said, reflecting on Nunes’ dominance. “For a long time, I’ve said I want what she has. I have a belt; she has a legacy. Let’s put it on the table.”

A Fight for the Ages

For years, fans have speculated whether the two would ever meet in the Octagon. Harrison, who had previously competed in the PFL's lightweight division, faced challenges when it came to fitting into the UFC's weight classes. But after a dominant run in the PFL, which included an astonishing 16-1 record and two championship victories, Harrison made the leap to the UFC and wasted no time showing that she belonged.

Her victories over Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira set the stage for her title bout with Peña, which she handled with ease. Now, with the title firmly around her waist, the focus is on the showdown with Nunes.

The prospect of a Harrison vs. Nunes fight isn’t just a title bout; it could very well be the fight that decides the greatest female fighter in MMA history. Nunes, with her two-division championship reign and her retirement at the peak of her powers, is widely regarded as the greatest in women’s MMA. But Harrison, with her pedigree and dominance in the cage, has the tools to challenge Nunes’ throne.

The Weight of the Moment

When Harrison and Nunes step into the Octagon, it will not just be about a championship belt. It will be about legacy, about cementing a place in history. For Harrison, this fight could be the defining moment of her career, a chance to claim not just a UFC belt, but also the title of the greatest female fighter of all time.

For Nunes, it will be a test of whether she can return to her former glory and defend the crown she once held with such authority. A win for Nunes would solidify her place as the greatest, while a victory for Harrison would herald the beginning of a new era in women’s MMA.

In either case, this fight will define the future of women’s mixed martial arts and could easily become one of the most talked-about, hyped, and important bouts in the sport’s history.