Kayla Harrison Wins UFC Bantamweight Title After Two Olympic Judo Golds

Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, made history again by winning the UFC women’s bantamweight championship at UFC 316 with a second-round submission over Julianna Peña. Transitioning from Olympic judo to MMA, Harrison also became a two-time PFL lightweight champion before conquering the UFC. When asked whether winning Olympic gold or the UFC title was harder, Harrison declined to choose, likening the decision to picking a favorite child, emphasizing that both achievements are special and challenging in their own ways. Harrison’s victory has set the stage for a highly anticipated fight with former bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes, who recently retired but may come out of retirement to face Harrison. Despite the physical and mental challenges of her weight cut and competition, Harrison expressed strong confidence and ambition to elevate women’s MMA and break records in the UFC. Her journey from Olympic podium to UFC gold underscores her status as one of the most dominant crossover athletes in combat sports history.