Julianna Peña (c) vs. Kayla Harrison: UFC 316 Co-Main Event Preview & Prediction13 days ago
UFC

The upcoming women’s bantamweight title fight between Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison is set to co-headline UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O'Malley 2 on June 7, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, United States. This clash will be for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship and promises to be a pivotal moment for the division’s future.

Julianna Peña

Julianna Peña, an American fighter, is the reigning two-time UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter. With a professional record of 12 wins and 5 losses, Peña is known for her relentless grappling and submission skills, with 5 submissions and 3 knockouts to her name. She reclaimed the bantamweight title with a split decision victory over Raquel Pennington at UFC 307 in October 2024. Peña’s ability to pull off upsets, as seen in her stunning submission win over Amanda Nunes in 2021, showcases her tenacity and fight IQ. Her aggressive ground game and cardio make her a formidable champion, though she has faced challenges against elite strikers and grapplers.

Julianna Peña – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Raquel Pennington – Split Decision (UFC 307, October 5, 2024)
2. Loss vs. Amanda Nunes – Unanimous Decision (UFC 277, July 30, 2022)
3. Win vs. Amanda Nunes – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC 269, December 11, 2021)
4. Win vs. Sara McMann – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC 257, January 24, 2021)
5. Loss vs. Germaine de Randamie – Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) (UFC on ESPN, October 4, 2020)

Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison, also an American, is a former Olympic judo gold medalist (2012, 2016) and two-time PFL Women’s Lightweight Champion. With a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 1 loss, Harrison is a dominant force, boasting 7 submissions and 6 knockouts. She made her UFC bantamweight debut in 2024, submitting Holly Holm at UFC 300 and following it with a unanimous decision win over Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 in October 2024. Harrison’s elite judo background, combined with her evolving striking and submission game, makes her a unique challenge. Her lone loss came in the 2022 PFL Lightweight Tournament final, but her transition to bantamweight has been seamless, positioning her as a top contender.

Kayla Harrison – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Ketlen Vieira – Unanimous Decision (UFC 307, October 5, 2024)
2. Win vs. Holly Holm – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC 300, April 13, 2024)
3. Win vs. Aspen Ladd – Unanimous Decision (PFL 10, November 24, 2023)
4. Loss vs. Larissa Pacheco – Unanimous Decision (PFL 10, November 25, 2022)
5. Win vs. Martina Jindrová – Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) (PFL 9, August 20, 2022)

Prediction:

This women’s bantamweight title fight is a clash of grappling titans with contrasting styles. Julianna Peña’s aggressive, submission-heavy approach will be tested against Kayla Harrison’s Olympic-level judo and physicality. Peña’s experience in five-round title fights and her ability to capitalize on scrambles give her an edge in chaotic grappling exchanges, but Harrison’s superior clinch work and strength could overwhelm Peña on the ground. While Peña’s striking has improved, Harrison’s developing stand-up and ability to close distance could set up her dominant grappling game. If Peña can survive early pressure and drag the fight into later rounds, her cardio and heart could lead to an upset. However, Harrison’s relentless pace and technical grappling are likely to control the fight.

Prediction:
Kayla Harrison def. Julianna Peña via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in Round 3.

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