Two-time Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison will take on UFC women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Peña in the co-main event of UFC 316, scheduled for June 7, 2025. This highly anticipated matchup has drawn attention not only for the fighters‘ skills but also for the ongoing tension fueled by comparisons to Ronda Rousey.
Historic Ties and Rousey Comparisons Stoke the Rivalry
Kayla Harrison once trained and lived with Olympic bronze medalist and former UFC champion Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey, who remains a significant figure in women’s MMA history. Julianna Peña, nicknamed the Venezuelan Vixen, recently sparked controversy by openly criticizing both Harrison and Rousey, contributing to an intense buildup ahead of their fight. Peña’s remarks about skill levels and past accomplishments kept the rivalry in the spotlight among fans.
Verbal Showdown Highlights Differences Between Peña and Harrison
During a recent UFC Live episode on the ESPN MMA YouTube channel, Peña and Harrison engaged in a heated verbal exchange, focusing heavily on comparisons to Ronda Rousey. Peña repeatedly linked Harrison’s career to Rousey’s legacy, while Harrison dismissed these comparisons emphatically. Harrison stated,
“First of all, I’m not Ronda, ’cause Ronda couldn’t win an Olympic gold medal. And second of all, you are a great fighter,”
making clear her belief that her achievements set her apart. Peña retorted, “She beat you. Didn’t she?” to which Harrison replied,
“She doesn’t hold a candle to my career.”
Peña also reminded audiences that Harrison experienced defeat against Rousey in their judo days and jested at comments from Harrison’s manager Ali Abdelaziz, whose expectations that Harrison would eclipse Rousey have yet to be fulfilled.
Neither Fighter Relents as Tension Escalates
Harrison, determined not to back down, predicted dominance on fight night:
“I know you’ve got nothing to lose. I know that you’re gonna throw the kitchen sink at me because you have no idea how you’re gonna beat me. And on June 7, I’m gonna put a hurtin’ on you,”
she declared. Peña responded with mockery towards the Olympic champion, maintaining the confrontational tone, a sign that both fighters are mentally ready and intensely motivated heading into their bout.
Fan Reactions Show Division and Build Anticipation
Fans have expressed mixed opinions regarding the pre-fight dialogue. Some expressed frustration, with one social media user commenting,
“Holy ** listening to them bicker makes me want a refund for the ppv.”
Meanwhile, others welcomed the rivalry’s drama as part of the spectacle; one said,
“This title fight has all the built in drama for June 7th!! Can’t wait.”
Another fan shared enthusiasm,
“I am so excited to see this fight. They don’t like each other.”
The MMA community remains divided on the outcome of this high-stakes fight. Supporters for Harrison are confident, with one fan stating,
“Kayla Harrison is definitely gonna whoop her a**.”
Conversely, Peña enjoys a loyal fanbase, illustrated by a user who commented, “I love Peña bro.”
Some critiques targeted Peña’s public speaking style, with one user posting,
“No clue how Peña is even champ, she should’ve lost. Every time she talks I go deaf.”
Others upheld Rousey’s legendary status, asserting,
“Ronda greater than both of them still.”
Significance of the Peña-Harrison Bout for UFC’s Women’s Bantamweight Division
The escalating rivalry between Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison, underscored by their contentious exchanges and historic ties to Ronda Rousey, has intensified interest in the UFC bantamweight championship. Their upcoming fight at UFC 316 is expected to be a defining moment for both athletes’ careers, potentially reshaping the division’s landscape. The outcome will not only highlight their skills but may also settle ongoing debates over their legacies and comparisons to Rousey’s era. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching as June 7 approaches, eager to see which fighter can assert dominance amid the mounting tension.