Kayla Harrison’s win at UFC 316 wasn’t just a huge career moment for her, it was a night full of emotions and unforgettable moments. After beating Julianna Peña to become the women’s bantamweight champ in the co-main event, she gave a heartfelt speech and had a memorable interaction with President Donald Trump, who was in the crowd.
Kayla Harrison Was Thrilled After Meeting Donald Trump at UFC 316
Harrison had a great start in the UFC. She submitted former champion Holly Holm at UFC 300 and became the bantamweight champion in her third fight in the promotion by submitting Peña in Round 2.
And it couldn’t be bigger for her than winning it in front of President Trump himself. During the post-fight press interview, Harrison was asked about how she felt meeting Trump. Harrison said she saw him while walking into the octagon and gave a respectful bow, something she picked up from her judo days.
Amazing moment! 🇺🇸
President @realDonaldTrump X UFC Champ Kayla Harrison pic.twitter.com/Y9OTGmESEo
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) June 8, 2025
Then, after the fight and after giving a pretty emotional speech following that, she went down to meet the president.
Harrison said, “Dana’s wrapping the belt around my waist, and then I’m like giving Dana a kiss on his bald head, because I said I would, so I did. Then we’re walking out. He’s like ‘You got to meet the president.’ So I’m walking out and then the president of the United States is giving me a kiss on my cheek and I was like ‘Holy sh*t.'”
The wild night didn’t end with Trump. Harrison also came face-to-face with boxing legend Mike Tyson, which made the whole experience even more surreal. She continued, “Then Mike Tyson’s right there, like I was just like ‘Am I in a movie right now?’ Like ‘what’s happening?'”
Kayla Harrison is asked what it was like to win her championship in front of Trump. pic.twitter.com/hi1gWA6Adv
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) June 8, 2025
Harrison has represented the U.S. at the highest level possible. She’s the only American ever to win Olympic gold in judo, and she did it twice. For a proud American like her, getting to fight in front of Trump meant a lot to her.
“Obviously, always an honor. I’m big America fan, big fan of our country, and we live in the greatest place in the world. And I’ve had the opportunity and the privilege to represent it on the biggest stage in the world, and now again tonight, representing Team USA in front of our leader is an honor, big time,” she said.
The UFC champion hopes Trump doesn’t forget the performance she gave in front of him. She also expects to visit the White House. “I think I might have to check his house or something. That’s what I heard,” she added.
Harrison is the only American champion at the moment in the UFC, besides Jon Jones.