Latest news with #UFC316
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kayla Harrison explains why Amanda Nunes superfight will be 'so special'
Kayla Harrison's title-winning performance at UFC 316 was dominant, but the post-fight faceoff with Amanda Nunes? Now that was perfect. Harrison accomplished her long desired goal of becoming a UFC champion earlier this month when she submitted Julianna Peña to claim the women's bantamweight title in the UFC 316 co-main event. It was the pinnacle of Harrison's illustrious combat sports career, which includes two Olympic gold medals in judeo and two PFL titles. Advertisement "It was just God's plan," Harrison told MMA Junkie. "I got the win. I expected to go 25 hard minutes, but it didn't go that way, and it was beautiful. I got to say what I felt was laid on my heart to say, and Joe (Rogan) was kind of congratulating me to have me wrap up the interview. They cut to Amanda, I saw her on the jumbotron, and I was like, 'God's giving me another layup, here we go.'" Harrison (19-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC), who are former training partners at American Top Team, had a friendly interaction after the fight before they got their first up-close look at each other as adversaries. It was a moment that meant a lot to Harrison. "There's nothing but respect from me," Harrison said. "I've said this for a long time, whether she takes it how I mean it or not, that's up to her interpretation. It's not my business what other people think of me, but I have nothing but respect for her. I mean it as an honor that she is the best female fighter, considered the best female fighter on the planet, and I believe it's my time. I want to fight her, and I'm ready." Nunes, the consensus greatest female MMA fighter of all time with wins over Cris Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, Valentina Shevchenko, and a host of other notable names, is coming out of retirement to fight Harrison. With her legacy already secured, Nunes certainly doesn't figure to gain much from fighting Harrison. Advertisement Harrison knows this and is appreciative of the opportunity. "I don't know. I mean, I love it, and I'm not gonna question it. Very grateful for it," Harrison said of Nunes' decision to fight her. "But you don't get to be the greatest of all time by not taking risks. I think that's who she is. That's why this fight is gonna be so special, because these are two women who really believe in themselves and who want to go in the cage and lock the door and prove that they are who they say they are. I think this is gonna bring women's MMA to a whole new level. I think people are gonna have a totally different level of respect after this." No date is set for the highly anticipated fight between Harrison and Nunes, but UFC CEO Dana White indicated it could happen before the end of the year. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Kayla Harrison: Amanda Nunes UFC fight in class of its own
USA Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kayla Harrison explains why Amanda Nunes superfight will be 'so special'
Kayla Harrison's title-winning performance at UFC 316 was dominant, but the post-fight faceoff with Amanda Nunes? Now that was perfect. Harrison accomplished her long desired goal of becoming a UFC champion earlier this month when she submitted Julianna Peña to claim the women's bantamweight title in the UFC 316 co-main event. It was the pinnacle of Harrison's illustrious combat sports career, which includes two Olympic gold medals in judeo and two PFL titles. "It was just God's plan," Harrison told MMA Junkie. "I got the win. I expected to go 25 hard minutes, but it didn't go that way, and it was beautiful. I got to say what I felt was laid on my heart to say, and Joe (Rogan) was kind of congratulating me to have me wrap up the interview. They cut to Amanda, I saw her on the jumbotron, and I was like, 'God's giving me another layup, here we go.'" Harrison (19-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC), who are former training partners at American Top Team, had a friendly interaction after the fight before they got their first up-close look at each other as adversaries. It was a moment that meant a lot to Harrison. "There's nothing but respect from me," Harrison said. "I've said this for a long time, whether she takes it how I mean it or not, that's up to her interpretation. It's not my business what other people think of me, but I have nothing but respect for her. I mean it as an honor that she is the best female fighter, considered the best female fighter on the planet, and I believe it's my time. I want to fight her, and I'm ready." Nunes, the consensus greatest female MMA fighter of all time with wins over Cris Cyborg, Ronda Rousey, Valentina Shevchenko, and a host of other notable names, is coming out of retirement to fight Harrison. With her legacy already secured, Nunes certainly doesn't figure to gain much from fighting Harrison. Harrison knows this and is appreciative of the opportunity. "I don't know. I mean, I love it, and I'm not gonna question it. Very grateful for it," Harrison said of Nunes' decision to fight her. "But you don't get to be the greatest of all time by not taking risks. I think that's who she is. That's why this fight is gonna be so special, because these are two women who really believe in themselves and who want to go in the cage and lock the door and prove that they are who they say they are. I think this is gonna bring women's MMA to a whole new level. I think people are gonna have a totally different level of respect after this." No date is set for the highly anticipated fight between Harrison and Nunes, but UFC CEO Dana White indicated it could happen before the end of the year.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Donald Trump Reposts Kayla Harrison Video; Internet Goes Wild
Donald Trump's cage-side appearance at UFC 316 has stirred more than just cheers, it's ignited a firestorm online. After champion Kayla Harrison leapt out of the cage to celebrate with him, Trump shared the moment on Truth Social. But what really grabbed attention was that he posted the same video twice. The clip shows Trump hugging Kayla, kissing her cheek, and patting her exposed stomach. As it went viral, critics accused him of overstepping and using the moment for political optics. Comments poured in, ranging from 'Be careful with that felon' to 'Left would say you groped her.' While supporters praised the gesture as patriotic, the trolling hasn't stopped. Trump doubling down has left many wondering: was this genuine admiration, or calculated media bait?
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC 316's Kayla Harrison Lived an 'Empty Life' Before Motherhood
UFC 316's Kayla Harrison Lived an 'Empty Life' Before Motherhood originally appeared on Athlon Sports. UFC 316 co-headliner Kayla Harrison (18-1) didn't realize what she was missing before becoming a mother. Advertisement Harrison appeared to have things figured out in terms of her career and her life. Having won Olympic gold twice, capturing PFL gold, and having a routine lifestyle, Harrison was fairly content with how things were going. When Harrison entered motherhood, her perspective completely changed. During an exclusive interview with Athlon Sports, Harrison discussed the lessons she continues to learn about being a mother. "Well, I mean, they never stop," Harrison said. "You learn a new one every day. It's the most rewarding, challenging, frustrating, exciting, crazy, roller coaster thing, unpredictable thing I've ever done, but it is the biggest blessing of my life. My kids actually recently went on a little trip with my mom to the other side of Florida. So, I had the house to myself for probably the first time ever. Advertisement "It was so shocking to me. I adopted my children, so before I had kids, I would wake up, I would eat, I would go train, I would come home, maybe read a book, lay out, take the dogs for a walk, go train again. Maybe have friends over for poker night or Taco Tuesday, but that was it. That was all I did. "On a Monday, I did that, and on a Wednesday, I was a mom. I couldn't believe how empty my life was and sort of just self-centered. My children have changed my life, and they've made me a better person, and they have given me a fullness and a purpose that I didn't even know I was missing until they showed." From Olympic Gold to UFC Gold? Kayla Harrison represents the United States during the Olympics.(via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports) Harrison will challenge Julianna Pena (12-5) for the UFC Bantamweight Championship on Saturday. It'll be Harrison's first opportunity at UFC gold. Advertisement The judo specialist explained the difference between how she felt going into her first chance at earning an Olympic gold medal and how she's feeling ahead of UFC 316. "I think the biggest difference is me," Harrison said. "My mentality, the wisdom, maybe, of having the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage so many times in my life. When I won my first gold medal, I was kind of young and dumb and a little bit clueless. "Now, I have just a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I'm so grateful for that because it's prepared me perfectly for what I'm about to achieve." Tuning Out Own Hype Kayla Harrison is interviewed after scoring a victory inside the UFC Octagon.(via Zuffa LLC) Harrison has long been viewed as a top athlete in MMA who is the favorite in virtually all of her bouts. She believes her competitive spirit won't allow her to fall into any outside noise. Advertisement "For sure," Harrison said about avoiding outside hype thanks to her competitive edge. "I think that, at the end of the day, I am grateful for the fans, and I love them dearly. I always say I don't have fans; I just have friends I haven't met yet, but I don't do this for them. "I do it because I feel like God has given me a gift, and it is my duty and my responsibility to give my very best. It's easy to block out the noise when you know that's not why you do it. I don't do this for applause or for money or for fame." Julianna Pena's Steroid Accusations Julianna Pena speaks to a reporter during a UFC pre-fight press conference.(via Zuffa LLC) Pena has never been shy to hold her tongue ahead of her fights. The reigning 135-pound champion has accused the challenger of steroid use. Harrison takes the trash talk in stride. Advertisement "I'm not sure," Harrison said when asked why Pena made the accusation. "I think that, to me, it speaks of fear and it screams of insecurity. Kind of like a built-in excuse, but it's also a compliment to me. If you think that I'm unnatural, thank you. I work really damn hard to be this way. "I've been drug tested since I was 12 years old. That's when I ranked on the national roster for judo. So, I can guarantee you I've probably been tested 10 times more than every UFC fighter because it's been 20-plus years of getting tested. I've never tested positive; I've never taken any substances." If you strip away the pre-fight banter, Harrison admits that she thinks Pena has the qualities of a worthy fighter inside the Octagon. Still, she thinks her skills outmatch Pena's significantly. "I think everybody's tough until you beat them," Harrison said. "You got to go out there and you got to implement your game plan and instill your will. I think her best attribute as a fighter is that she's got heart and she is a fighter. She's not going to quit, but we've seen her lose. We've seen her holes, and I'm better everywhere." Amanda Nunes Biding Her Time? Amanda Nunes holding the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship and the featherweight gold.(via Zuffa LLC) A big story that looms over Harrison's title shot against Pena involves Amanda Nunes. "The Lioness" has teased a return to the Octagon several times. Harrison is unsure if Nunes is waiting for UFC 316 to conclude, but she wouldn't blame her if that is the case. Advertisement "I don't know," Harrison said. "Maybe, I haven't given it a ton of thought. Probably, I would if I were her." Other Women's Bantamweight Fighters Norma Dumont lifts her opponent up for a takedown during their UFC fight.(via Zuffa LLC) In terms of women's bantamweights on the current UFC roster or even those who are waiting for their chance outside of the promotion, Harrison welcomes the best talent that the 135-pound division has to offer. "I think that there's a lot of up-and-coming fighters," Harrison said. "There is going to probably be a changing of the guard some day. There's always going to be the next hungry, young killer who's ready for their moment and ready for their opportunity. My job is to welcome them with open arms to the big leagues." Merab Dvalishvili Repeats at UFC 316? UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley meet face-to-face before UFC 316.(via Zuffa LLC) Harrison will share the same card that will be headlined by a UFC Bantamweight Championship rematch. Titleholder Merab Dvalishvili will collide with Sean O'Malley a second time. Harrison has an idea of how the second encounter will play out. Advertisement "I think that Merab is a machine, and I think that he's going to go out there and get the job done," Harrison said. "He's a tough fighter to beat." Kayla Harrison Enters G.O.A.T. Conversation? Kayla Harrison being introduced by Bruce Buffer before her UFC fight begins.(via Zuffa LLC) As far as her own fight is concerned, Harrison is shooting for the stars. She believes the headlines will be singing her praises following UFC 316. "I think they're just going to say, 'Kayla Harrison, greatest fighter of all time.'" Related: Rising UFC Star Shares Surprising Take on Islam Makhachev's Move to Welterweight This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Joe Rogan in awe of 'freak' UFC champ Merab Dvalishvili
Joe Rogan in awe of 'freak' UFC champ Merab Dvalishvili Joe Rogan is fascinated by UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili's unparalleled conditioning. No one has been able to keep up with Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC) during his 13-fight unbeaten run, which includes wins over former champions Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and Sean O'Malley twice. In his most recent title defense, Dvalishvili scored his first finish since September 2021 when he submitted O'Malley in the UFC 316 main event earlier this month. "That guy is insane," Rogan said of Dvalishvili on a recent episode of his "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast. "He's insane. His cardio is like something that everyone, who has been involved in the sport for as long as I have, is blown away by it. The guy's a freak. Daniel Cormier went to visit him after he won the title. He won the title Saturday night at the Sphere in Vegas, beat Sean O'Malley, dominant five-round decision, just steamrolled him. The next day, Daniel Cormier goes to visit him, and he's out running. He doesn't stop. Doesn't stop. "Just this guy from Georgia, from this war-torn country who just embraces that f*cking grind at a level that nobody else can compete with, and when he gets in the ring, no one can match his cardio. No one can match his pace. He melts the greatest of the greats." Rogan was especially impressed when Dvalishvili bounced Umar Nurmagomedov out of the ranks of the unbeaten at UFC 311. Dvalishvili was down two rounds on two of the judges' scorecards before rallying to get the win. "You see guys like Umar Nurmagomedov, who's elite, he's world class," Rogan said. "Like at any other time, he'd be a world champion, and Merab is just overwhelming him. You see him just getting overwhelmed by the pace, and Merab doesn't even get tired. He's a freak."
