Kayla Harrison is preparing for a pivotal moment in her MMA career as she gears up to compete for the UFC women’s bantamweight title against Julianna Pena at UFC 316 this Saturday. The event will be held in Newark, N.J., marking her first title fight in the UFC, a platform she has aspired to since the dissolvement of the women’s featherweight division in her previous promotion, PFL.
Harrison faces a significant challenge as she aims to officially weigh in at 135 pounds to qualify for the title fight. Although she successfully competed in the octagon at bantamweight in previous fights against Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira while utilizing the extra pound allowance for non-title bouts, the official weigh-in will test her cutting abilities. Many experts speculate that this additional weight cut might pose a challenge not only leading up to the scale but potentially during the fight itself.
However, Harrison is confident in her preparation. “I think it’s overblown,” she stated. “I’ve been very disciplined, and I have an excellent team around me.” Harrison and her team adhere to rigorous training regimens involving detailed body fat and calorie management. This structured approach has her optimistic about her weight-cutting process.
Having predominantly competed at lightweight, where she captured PFL championship titles in both 2019 and 2021, this transition to bantamweight has required her to adapt her lifestyle significantly. Despite her past successes, Harrison has a deeply rooted desire to earn a UFC title, which she views as crucial to her legacy within combat sports.
Harrison addressed her aversion to weight cutting, indicating that while she does not enjoy the process, she believes the sacrifices she is currently making will lead to a rewarding outcome. “It’s not fun, it’s not enjoyable, it’s not pleasant… but I want to see how high I can climb, and I do feel like it’s all part of my journey,” she explained.
Reflecting on her past experiences, including her early years living away from home and her unconventional nutrition habits, Harrison acknowledges the hard work and discipline required to evolve as an athlete. This journey toward bantamweight represents not just a fight for a title, but a more significant personal growth experience.
With her determination and team support driving her forward, fans and experts alike are eager to witness how this journey unfolds for Harrison this weekend. The anticipation surrounding her title shot also adds an exciting chapter to her already impressive combat sports career, showcasing her resilient pursuit of greatness.