Tag: Kayla Harrison

SBC REPLAY: Renato Moicano’s surge, UFC antitrust settlement, UFC 307 preview, more

On the latest episode of “Spinning back Clique,” we discuss Renato Moicano’s Paris win, UFC antitrust settlement, preview UFC 307, and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Nolan King, Dan Tom, Brian “Goze” Garcia, and special guest John Nash will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • UFC Fight Night 243 is in the books. The promotion’s trip to Paris, France saw lightweight contender [autotag]Renato Moicano[/autotag] pick up a big win in the main event over [autotag]Benoit Saint Denis[/autotag]. Where does this win put Moicano in the division? How will his shoulder injury affect what’s next? What about Saint Denis? Where does he go from here after a devastating loss?
  • The UFC has reached a new settlement in its antitrust case. We welcome in guest John Nash, who has been following the case closely to discuss the latest developments. Is the $375 million settlement a surprise? Will the judge approve it? Is this better or worse for the fighters? Where does the case go from here? We discuss it all.
  • UFC 307 is here. UFC light heavyweight champ [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] faces [autotag]Khalil Rountree[/autotag] in the main event. In the co-feature, [autotag]Raquel Pennington[/autotag] puts her women’s bantamweight title on the line against [autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag]. What are the chances we see one or two titles change hands? [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] is also in action against [autotag]Ketlen Vieira[/autotag]. Will a win get her the next title shot? What is the UFC doing with [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag]? Does he have one more title run in him?

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MMA Junkie Radio #3501: UFC 307 guest Kayla Harrison, UFC Paris wrap-up, Paul-McGregor

Check out the latest episode of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze.”


Monday’s episode of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here.

On Episode 3,501, the fellas leave behind show No. 3,500 and start toward the next milestone. They welcome in UFC 307 guest [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag], broke down the UFC Paris results, talked about Jake Paul and Conor McGregor’s new beef, and much more. Tune in!

Kayla Harrison explains importance of balancing fighter-mother schedules

UFC women’s bantamweight contender Kayla Harrison is always busy, but keeping her schedule balanced is key to family and fighting success.

[autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] admits her day-to-day schedule is incredibly demanding, but she wouldn’t change it for anything.

Not only is the two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka hunting for a championship in the UFC, but Harrison (17-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is also trying to do it as a mother of two adopted children, which makes her work-life balance extremely important.

“I have to keep the balance in check,” Harrison told MMA Junkie Radio. “First of all, I’m the sole breadwinner for our family, so me doing good is important in order to take care of my children, but I have to have a very good balance of being mom and being fighter. It’s hard the closer I get to a fight. … I’m more tired. I’m on more of a calorie deficit. I’m running more. I’m training more and I’m doing the sauna.

“So, when I’m with my kids, I’m with my kids. I’m present. I’m not on my phone. I’m not thinking about my fight. I’m not thinking about the weight I have to cut. I’m trying to be with my children, and I honestly believe it’s made me a better mother.”

After just one fight in the UFC, Harrison, 34, is potentially one win away from a shot at the women’s bantamweight title. At UFC 307 on Oct. 5, she will face Ketlen Vieira. The division’s title will be on the line in the co-main event when Raquel Pennington looks to defend against Julianna Pena.

A win at UFC 307 will make it hard to deny Harrison a title shot, who entered the promotion as a two-time PFL champion, and beat former champ Holly Holm in her UFC debut.

Professionally, the stakes are as high as ever. Personally, caring for her children is always crucial, and it’s a responsibility that will remain long after her fighting days are over. Harrison has had to learn how to balance everything so that everything gets the appropriate amount of attention without having to sacrifice one or the other.

“Beacuse there’s only 24 hours in a day, and I’m acutely aware of how fast time is flying, it’s made me really suck the juice out of life in both my career and as a mother,” Harrison said. “I’m homeschooling my kids this year. After this fight, we’re going on a week-long road trip through some of the parks in Utah. We get to spend a lot more time together and I just feel truly blessed that – yeah, it’s very difficult.

“My life is very hard. I’m juggling a lot of things constantly and I have a high-risk, high-reward career. Being a single mom of two children who are adopted, who have trauma, who are also healing, and giving them a safe space, and loving them unconditionally, and being healthy for them, it’s a lot. I juggle a lot. … But it’s made me so much better. Crazily enough, it’s given me a different kind of peace and a different kind of unconditional love and joy. I can’t imagine my life any other way. It’s beautiful.”

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Kayla Harrison: ‘It’s going to be a long night’ for Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307

Kayla Harrison seeks domination vs. Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307.

[autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] seeks domination vs. [autotag]Ketlen Vieira[/autotag] at UFC 307.

Harrison (17-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will look to cement herself as No. 1 contender when she takes on Vieira (14-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) Oct. 5 in Salt Lake City.

Vieira has won three of her past four, with her lone loss in that stretch coming to current bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington. Harrison gave Vieira credit for her skills, but thinks she’s no match for her.

“She’s a good fighter, she’s well-rounded, she’s got good jiu-jitsu,” Harrison told MMA Junkie Radio. “I’m expecting some judo knowledge from her just because of her background in judo, as well. We won’t know until fight night. Everyone’s tough until you beat them, but I just think I’m better everywhere and I’ve properly prepared, and it’s going to be a long night for Ketlen.”

On the same night Harrison faces Vieira, Pennington (16-8 MMA, 13-5 UFC) defends her belt against Julianna Peña (11-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) in the co-main event. Harrison will be ready to jump in if any of the fighters fall out, but she’ll have to hit 135 pounds on the dot in order to be eligible.

Harrison weighed in at 136 pounds prior to her dominant finish of Holly Holm at UFC 300, and admits that final pound to shed off will definitely be a challenge.

“That last pound is God, not Kayla,” Harrison said. “That’s not anything a human can do, that’s definitely a higher power that’s getting me to that point, and that’s again where faith, and trust, and surrender play a big role in me being able to chase this dream and to do what I love.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 307.

Ailin Perez gives her picks for UFC 307’s Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña, Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira

Who wins at UFC 307 in Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña, Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira? Ailin Perez gives her predictions.

The next UFC pay-per-view is closing in, and it’s a card that will heavily impact the landscape of the women’s bantamweight division.

UFC 307, which goes down Oct. 5 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, hosts two key female bouts at 135 pounds: a women’s championship bout between [autotag]Raquel Pennington[/autotag] and [autotag]Julianna Pena[/autotag], and a top contender contest pitting [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] against [autotag]Ketlen Vieira[/autotag].

Ahead of the event, rising women’s bantamweight [autotag]Ailin Perez[/autotag] gave her picks when speaking with MMA Junkie. Perez (10-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC), who returns this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 243 against Darya Zheleznyakova (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), sees the belt staying in the hands of the champion.

“Raquel Pennington is going to keep her title that night,” Perez said in Spanish. “Julianna Peña has been very inactive, and I just don’t think she has the resources to surprise that night.”

The 35-year-old Pennington enters UFC 307 on a six-fight winning streak. She won the vacant title by defeating Mayra Bueno Silva in January. Meanwhile, Peña hasn’t fought since losing the belt in the rematch with Amanda Nunes back in July 2022.

As far as the other bout, Perez expects Harrison (17-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) to keep her undefeated UFC record. She respects the body of work that Vieira (14-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) has built, but doesn’t think she’ll be able to hold off the former PFL champion.

“Kayla Harrison will be able to take her down, and she’s going to win the fight there,” Perez said. “She’s going to control her. I don’t think she’ll get the finish, but maybe she will. That’s not totally unexpected, but I don’t think she’ll get the finish. I’m picking Kayla to win. I don’t think Ketlen has the gas tank to deal with her.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 243.

Kayla Harrison ‘would rather put an elbow through Julianna Peña’s skull than Raquel Pennington’s’

If Kayla Harrison had to choose, she’d rather fight Julianna Peña for the title.

If [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] had to choose, she’d rather fight [autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag] for the title.

Harrison (17-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is perhaps one fight away from cementing herself as No. 1 contender if she can get past Ketlen Vieira (14-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) Oct. 5 at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City.

In the nights co-headliner, bantamweight champion [autotag]Raquel Pennington[/autotag] (16-8 MMA, 13-5 UFC) defends her belt against Peña (11-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC). Despite competing on the same night, Harrison is ready to jump in as a reserve.

“If one of those b*tches gets sick or hurt or injured, I will take that fight on 30 seconds’ notice,” Harrison told Grind City Media. “I’m ready. (I’m the) best in the world. I’m ready, so let’s go.”

Harrison says she’d take more joy in fighting former champion Peña than Pennington.

“To have a preference would mean that I have an emotion,” Harrison said. “I don’t care. I really do not care. The goal is the belt. But if we’re talking about Kayla, the psychopath, of course I would rather put an elbow through Julianna’s skull than Raquel’s. Julianna’s face is annoying. Of course I would pick that face – of course.”

Regardless of what transpires at UFC 307, Harrison wants to make an even bigger statement against Vieira than she did over Holly Holm at UFC 300.

“I want blood on the canvas this time,” Harrison said. “I want to go out there and dominate from bell to bell. I want to instill my will, and I want to break Ketlen Vieira. I want her to beg, I want her to quit, and I want it to be by KO, TKO or submission.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 307.

Kayla Harrison: Amanda Nunes is great, ‘but don’t talk sh*t about my team’

Kayla Harrison still has Amanda Nunes in her sights.

[autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] still has [autotag]Amanda Nunes[/autotag] in her sights.

Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC), who hung up her gloves in June 2023, taunted Harrison for not mentioning her name after her debut win over Holly Holm at UFC 300 in April.

Harrison (17-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) explains that she didn’t target the former UFC dual-champion since she’s currently retired, and took issue with her departure from American Top Team – where they both used to train.

“I didn’t call Amanda out because Amanda’s retired, you know?” Harrison told Grind City Media. “I didn’t want to be that girl that’s like calling out old people, retired people, like people who are fat and happy sitting on the couch. I’m happy for her. I think also she struggles to not be in the limelight still.

“So I think when I had my moment, maybe she needed to come in, which is fine – and I have no beef with Amanda. Listen, the only problem I have with Amanda is that she talks sh*t about the greatest team in the world, (American Top Team). Personally, I think she’s great – but don’t talk sh*t about my team.”

Harrison meets Ketlen Vieira on Oct. 5 at UFC 307 from Salt Lake City – on the same night bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington defends her title against Julianna Peña. The two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and two-time PFL champion is currently focused on UFC gold, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to eventually fight Nunes.

“I would love for her to come back,” Harrison said. “That is literally the dream scenario for Kayla Harrison and her career. When she retired, I was like, ‘What are you doing? Not yet, wait!’ I’m glad she made the video, but now she’s going to be hearing from me. I have a couple of steps to take, and then she’s going to be hearing from me.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 307.

Kayla Harrison sees ‘real deal’ Dakota Ditcheva stopping Taila Santos in PFL final

“I think this is about to be a big coming-out party when she makes it look easy,” Kayla Harrison said of Dakota Ditcheva.

[autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag]’s prediction for the 2024 PFL women’s flyweight final is in.

Harrison, a former two-time PFL champion and current UFC bantamweight contender, has issued a bold prediction for this season’s PFL championship final, which pits [autotag]Dakota Ditcheva[/autotag] against former UFC title challenger [autotag]Taila Santos[/autotag]. Harrison expects Ditcheva (13-0) to stop Santos (22-3) and claim the 2024 PFL women’s flyweight title along with the $1 million prize. She even picked the round in which her American Top Team teammate will get the job done.

“I know how it’s going to go. I think she’s going to knock her out, second round,” Harrison told MMA Junkie.

Santos is considered one of the world’s best.

Back in 2022, Santos fought for the UFC women’s flyweight title, losing a highly-debated decision against then champion Valentina Shevchenko. Since fighting out her UFC contract last year and signing with the PFL, Santos has gone 3-0, with her latest win coming against former Bellator champion Liz Carmouche.

Harrison is aware of the challenge Ditcheva has ahead. However, she’s confident she has all the tools for it.

“It is (a tough fight). It’s a step-up, but Dakota is ready,” Harrison explained. “She’s prepared. She trains hard. She’s got the best team around her, and she’s so disciplined. She’s just so f*cking good, dude. Like, she is the real deal. She’s the full package, and I’m super excited for her. I think this is about to be a big coming-out party when she makes it look easy.

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Kayla Harrison requests official backup role for Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña title fight at UFC 307

Kayla Harrison wants to be the official backup opponent for Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña title fight at UFC 307.

Despite not getting the title shot, [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] still hopeful she’ll end up fighting for UFC gold in her next outing.

The two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and two-time PFL champion wants the UFC to consider her as the official backup for the upcoming women’s bantamweight championship fight between [autotag]Raquel Pennington[/autotag] and [autotag]Julianna Peña[/autotag], which goes down on Oct. 5 in the co-main event of UFC 307.

“I wanted to fight for the belt, but it was promised that the next shot was to Julianna, so she gets the next shot for now, unless one of them gets hurt or sick, mommy is coming home,” Harrison told MMA Junkie at 2024 PFL Playoffs 2. “… Two hours’ notice, one-hour notice, 20 minutes’ notice, yeah.”

Harrison (17-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) also competes on UFC 307, as she takes on veteran Ketlen Vieira. If she doesn’t get the title fight in a backup role, she plans to make a statement with Vieira and let the world know who’s the best women’s bantamweight on the planet.

“I don’t necessarily agree with the decision, but if they want me to smash another skull, I’ll smash another skull,” Harrison said regarding her fight with Vieira. “I think Ketlen is good, but I’m at a different level from all of them.

“I’m going to go out on October 5 and prove that I’m at a different level and prove that Ketlen and the two girls who are fighting (for the belt) look ridiculous, and then everyone is going to know it’s time for Kayla to get her belt.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2024 PFL Playoffs 2.

Kayla Harrison books second UFC bout, will fight Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307

Kayla Harrison said she was willing to “smash another skull” before fighting for a UFC title, and she will get that opportunity.

[autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag] said last month that she was willing to “smash another skull” before fighting for the UFC women’s bantamweight championship, and she will get that opportunity.

Harrison, No. 3 in the official UFC rankings at 135 pounds, is set to meet No. 2 Ketlen Vieira on Oct. 5 at UFC 307. Both fighters have confirmed the matchup on social media after MMA reporter Leo Guimaraes first reported the matchup on X.

After Harrison took care of business and finished former champ Holly Holm in her promotion debut this past April at UFC 300, there was talk of the former two-time PFL champion jumping straight into a title shot. But with current champ Raquel Pennington yet to defend her title against Julianna Peña as expected, Harrison will have to get past another formidable foe to earn her shot.

Vieira is 4-3 in her past seven bouts, although she’s more recently won three of her past four. Her last fight was a unanimous decision win over Pannie Kianzad in July 2023. Prior to that victory, Vieira lost a split decision to Pennington.

With the addition, the current UFC 307 lineup includes:

  • Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling
  • Kayla Harrison vs. Ketlen Vieira
  • Chris Curtis vs. Kevin Holland
  • Jose Aldo vs. Mario Bautista
  • Iasmin Lucindo vs. Marina Rodriguez
  • Cesar Almeida vs. Ihor Potieria

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