Harrison expects strategic edge in UFC 316 bantamweight title bout
Kayla Harrison enters UFC 316 with expectations of a decisive performance against Julianna Peña in the co-main event for the UFC women’s bantamweight championship. The former two-time Olympic judo gold medalist will be competing for her first UFC title after a strong start to her promotional career in 2024, where she went 2-0.
Harrison transitioned to UFC after claiming two Professional Fighters League (PFL) titles, and she has consistently emphasized her goal of dominating the division. Her approach heading into UFC 316 is grounded in discipline and a clearly defined strategy developed alongside her coaching team, including longtime mentor Mike Brown.
During a pre-fight interview with ESPN’s Megan Olivi, Harrison acknowledged Peña’s toughness and unorthodox approach but noted that she sees only one clear path to victory for the reigning champion.
“Look, she’s very unorthodox,” Harrison said. “She definitely likes to brawl. I think that that’s really her only chance, is to try and make it a brawl.”
Harrison stated her intention to stay composed and focused throughout the bout. “But my fight IQ, my coaches, my team – we have a plan. I’m going to go out there and implement the game plan, and stick to it, and be smart, and become a UFC champion,” she added.
Peña’s history against Nunes underscores Harrison’s strategy
Julianna Peña’s best-known victory came at UFC 269 in 2021, when she submitted Amanda Nunes in a major upset. That result followed a wild exchange of strikes early in the fight, with Nunes tiring before Peña capitalized with a rear-naked choke. The upset remains one of the most memorable moments in recent UFC history and serves as a cautionary tale for fighters entering chaotic exchanges with Peña. Harrison’s coaching team is aware of that history. Mike Brown, who was in Nunes’ corner during that bout, brings firsthand experience of Peña’s ability to capitalize on opponents who deviate from their strategy. Peña will aim to repeat that success at UFC 316 by pushing Harrison into a similar fight. However, Harrison’s approach remains rooted in control, technique, and preparation, which she believes will be the keys to securing the UFC bantamweight title in Newark.
With both fighters bringing contrasting styles to the octagon, the UFC 316 co-main event provides a tactical matchup with significant implications for the women’s bantamweight division.
