UFC Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña locked horns against Kayla Harrison in a title clash at UFC 316. The bout served as the co-main event of the fight card, which took place on June 7.
Peña walked into the fight after becoming a UFC champion for the second time as she defeated Raquel Pennington via split decision at UFC 307 to capture the title.
Harrison, on the other hand, was riding a three-fight win streak prior to the encounter at UFC 316. This streak included wins over names like Ketlen Vieira and Holly Holm.
UFC 316: Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison Recap and Highlights
Round 1
Harrison opened the round by throwing a front kick and then proceeded to go forward against her opponent. She then grabbed Peña against the fence and proceeded to take her down to the ground.
Harrison attempted some strikes from the top position but none of them were significant. Peña got her opponent into the full guard position and then attempted strikes from the bottom.
Peña landed a couple of upkicks from the bottom position which led referee to intervene. Peña’s strikes were deemed illegal and led to a point deduction for “The Venezuelan Vixen”.
Round 2
Harrison landed a left hand to start the round. The Olympic gold medalist continued to move forward and pressure Peña. Harrison landed another solid left hand on Peña. She then grabbed Peña against the fence and after some struggle, scored another takedown.
Harrison threw heavy blows from the top position. After a scramble, Harrison got ahold of her opponent’s back and and a few seconds later, laid her flat on the ground again.
From the top position, Harrison grabbed Peña’s arm and attempted a kimura lock which led to her opponent tapping out.
KAYLA HARRISON SUBMITS JULIANNA PENA IN THE SECOND ROUND!!!!!!!
AND NEW!!! #UFC316 pic.twitter.com/G36D7wehzz
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 8, 2025
UFC 316: Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison Result
Harrison outclassed Peña for the majority of the fight and scored an impressive submission victory in the second round of the fight. Harrison got emotional after the win and then the two fighters embraced and exchanged words inside the Octagon.
During her post-fight Octagon interview with Joe Rogan, Harrison thanked her fans and family. She then proceeded to call out Amanda Nunes, who was present in the crowd.
“The Lioness” made her way to the Octagon and congratulated Harrison. Nunes then declared that she would be coming out of retirement to lock horns against the Olympic gold medalist.
The two individuals then proceeded to have an intense face-off and then hugged each other afterwards.