Kayla Harrison put in a dominant efficiency as she submitted Julianna Pena to win the bantamweight title at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey.
Harrison out-grappled fellow American Pena and managed the motion all through earlier than ending the battle with a kimura on the finish of the second spherical.
Victory provides a primary UFC championship to her two Olympic judo gold medals and PFL world titles.
In her post-fight interview, Harrison mentioned she virtually give up on Thursday after struggling throughout her weight minimize.
The 34-year-old’s two PFL titles, in 2021 and 2022, had been received at 155lb (11st 1lb) however she has fought at 135lb (9st 9lb) since becoming a member of the UFC final 12 months.
“That is for anybody who’s ever felt hopeless, who’s wished to give up, who’s wished to surrender. On Thursday I wished to give up, I wished to surrender,” mentioned Harrison.
“I am referring to 135lb – solely God can get that final pound off me, I am not sturdy sufficient. It’s a must to go to a nasty place and the one method by is to have give up and have religion.”
After the bout Harrison faced-off with former double champion Amanda Nunes, who confirmed she can be popping out of retirement to problem for the belt.
