Kayla Harrison is still riding the high of her championship moment from UFC 316. The former Olympic judoka captured the UFC women’s bantamweight belt by submitting Julianna Peña in Round 2, delivering on years of hype with a dominant and composed performance inside the Octagon.
Fans React to Kayla Harrison’s Morning Post With the UFC Belt
On the heels of her victory, the newly crowned women’s bantamweight champion posted a “Good Morning” photo on X, smiling beside her UFC title. This subtle image quickly became a magnet for fan appreciation.
Good morning ☀️ pic.twitter.com/ICOZceSdSw
— Kayla Harrison Official (@KaylaH)
One fan kept things straightforward and heartfelt with a message that echoed across the MMA community: “You deserve it, champ.”
One fan seemed relieved that Peña would never be the women’s bantamweight champion again, writing, “Peña will never hold that belt again. Congrats to you, Kayla! What a beast.”
Pena will never hold that belt again. Congrats to you, Kayla! What a beast.
— MarketX™ (@MarketXAI)
A different fan expressed renewed optimism in the bantamweight division’s future under Harrison’s reign. This sentiment reflects the uncertainty the division has seen in recent years, when few champions held onto gold for long.
“Finally a champion I don’t believe will lose on the first defense. Congratulations,” wrote another fan.
Finally a champion I don’t believe will lose on the first defense
Congratulations
— 💡 (@InLightThoughts)
One fan took a playful jab at the legendary Henry Cejudo, tagging him directly. This was because, after her dominant victory at UFC 316, Harrison is now the only second fighter in the UFC to have lifted gold both in the Olympics and in the UFC. “@HenryCejudo I know you are crying rn.”
Given Harrison’s dual Olympic triumphs, fans were quick to highlight that her accomplishment even surpasses Cejudo’s in that regard. Some praised Harrison’s effortless aura, drawing charm from her casual approach to championship glory.
“Some people wake up with bed hair. You wake up with belts.”
Some people wake up with bed hair. You wake up with belts.
— Amine2أ (@3azyy05)
The juxtaposition between a simple morning and the magnitude of her achievement wasn’t lost on fans. One fan focused on her work ethic and character.
“Good morning indeed. You deserve everything good in your future. Your passion for the sport says everything. You worked extremely hard for this and it shows.”
Now that Harrison has claimed the UFC women’s bantamweight belt, the conversation shifts to what’s next. A rematch with Peña remains on the table, though names like Raquel Pennington and Irene Aldana may also surface as potential contenders.
However, the fans want the new champ to test new waters and face new opponents, maybe in a different weight division. For now, Harrison is taking her time, basking in the delight of her hard-fought victory.