Two-time Olympic judo gold medallist Kayla Harrison believes she is the “uncrowned queen” within the UFC as she prepares for her second battle within the promotion.
Harrison meets Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 in Salt Lake Metropolis this weekend, with the winner in line for a shot on the bantamweight title subsequent day out.
Bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington and challenger Julianna Pena are additionally on the cardboard.
“I am the uncrowned queen,” Harrison stated.
“First, Saturday night time I smash Ketlen after which I come for my title, so take pleasure in it whilst you can girls.”
Thursday’s information convention was anticipated to centre round light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and challenger Khalil Rountree, however the headline pair have been sidelined because the 4 bantamweight rivals exchanged jibes.
Pennington is making her first defence after profitable the vacant bantamweight title at UFC 297 in January, whereas Pena is a former champion and has not competed since dropping the belt towards Amanda Nunes in July 2022.
Harrison, 34, gained judo gold on the Olympics in 2012 and 2016 and has since constructed up a fearsome repute in blended martial arts, making her skilled debut in 2018 and winning her UFC debut against Holly Holm at the landmark 300 event in April.
“I actually wish to be UFC champion. I’ve extra finishes than Julianna has wins,” Harrison added.
“I am nonetheless the brand new child on the block and I’ve stuff to show.”
Harrison was a two-time Skilled Fighters League light-weight champion and has misplaced simply one in all her 18 contests, with 13 of these victories coming inside the gap.
Pena has 11 wins from her 16 bouts, together with a submission victory over retired UFC star Nunes.
“I do know violence and Kayla simply obtained right here to the scene,” Pena stated.
“Simply obtained right here?” replied Harrison.
“I’ve gained two Olympic gold medals and I have been doing this since I used to be six years outdated. You began your profession in 2009 and are 10-5, I began in 2018 and I am 17-1.”
