The countdown to UFC 316 is on, and tensions could not be higher. In one of the most anticipated title fights of the year, Olympic gold meets Octagon grit as Kayla Harrison goes one-on-one against Julianna Peña for the bantamweight title. The fighters are preparing, both physically and mentally, as they seek ways to break each other down. And now, Harrison has taken a jibe by revealing that Peña can only win the fight under a specific condition. So, what is it?
Kayla Harrison feels ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ can only win if she abandons technique and brings chaos inside the Octagon. In a straightforward assessment of her opponent’s approach, the undefeated UFC title challenger stated that chaos could be Peña’s sole weapon. “She’s very unorthodox. She definitely likes to brawl,” Harrison said during an interview with ESPN MMA. “I think that that’s really her only chance, is to try and make it a brawl.”
‘Doug’ believes Julianna Peña’s recent title win does not pose a significant threat. Harrison, who has two Olympic gold medals in judo, two PFL world titles, and an 18-1 MMA record, believes her competitive advantage comes from structure rather than emotion. “My fight IQ, my coaches, my team—we have a plan,” she explained. “And I’m going to go out there and implement the game plan and stick to it and be smart and become UFC champion.”
Julianna Peña, however, is not easily intimidated. The reigning UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion won her title by defeating Raquel Pennington at UFC 307, cementing her status as one of the sport’s toughest women. ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ is known for her tough style and durability, and she comes into the fight with a record of 12 wins and 5 losses and a tendency to thrive in chaotic fights.
Both fighters bring a variety of physical tools to the table. Peña is 5’7″ with a 69-inch reach and fights in an orthodox stance. ‘Doug’ stands somewhat taller at 5’8″, but has a 66-inch reach and fights as a southpaw. The stylistic difference simply adds to the excitement of an already high-stakes contest. The storyline has been set as both women prepare for war on June 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
MMA: UFC 269-Nunes vs Pena, Dec 11, 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Amanda Nunes fights against Julianna Pena during UFC 269 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports, 11.12.2021 20:57:15, 17343078, Amanda Nunes, T-Mobile Arena, NPStrans, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxR.xSylvaniex 17343078
Kayla Harrison regards control, intelligence, and planning as the keys to triumph. Julianna Peña’s strategy may involve disrupting the opponent’s rhythm. But if Harrison has her way, that door won’t open. And if that happens, she is all prepared for it. But while she is out there exposing her opponents’ weakness, ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ is throwing some major accusations her way.
Julianna Peña accuses Kayla Harrison of PED use
In preparation for UFC 316, Julianna Peña is not only aiming for the title; she’s throwing verbal haymakers toward her opponent. Kayla Harrison has carefully pointed out strategic flaws in Peña’s game, while ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ has taken a more volatile approach, raising major doubts about Harrison’s transition from Olympic legend to MMA juggernaut. And in classic Peña fashion, she didn’t sugarcoat a thing.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Peña addressed Harrison’s physique and its growth. “Back then in the Olympics, she looked, you know, like a girl, very feminine, and now she looks super juicy and cut up,” she said, implying that such a significant shift is not the result of simply lifting weights. Julianna Peña suggests that performance-enhancing drugs may have contributed to Harrison’s success, stating, “Of course, she at some point was on steroids.”
The claim was not left dangling as a vague jab. Peña repeated her claim: “Hopefully she cycles off of them before June 7th, makes the weight, and pisses clean, because that’s what I’m going to be doing.” With the co-main event heating up, it’s no longer just about fighting styles and skill sets; it’s personal. ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ is pressing hard, hoping that shaking Harrison off her game will create just enough instability to tilt the fight in her favor. But what do you think? Who will win the fight? Let us know in the comments.
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