Mixed Martial Arts free agent Kayla Harrison thinks new UFC women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Pena needs to be “careful” about the sort of trash talk she hurls her way.
Pena (11-4) stunned the MMA world this past Saturday when she was able to do what no woman has been able to over the last six years and hand women’s MMA GOAT Amanda Nunes a loss. It was a historic moment that has sent Pena on a media blitz ever since.
During one of those media appearances, the new 135-pound queen was asked about Harrison (12-0). The two-time PFL women’s lightweight champion is a long-time training partner of “The Lioness” and could join the UFC roster sooner than later. And a matchup between the two at featherweight would certainly be a fight that garners a lot of attention. However, “The Venezuelan Vixen” shot down the idea by saying Harrison was “the lesser” of Nunes’ training partners and a star in the “B-leagues.”
Kayla Harrison warns Julianna Pena to be careful with tossing trash talk her way
In a new interview, Harrison was asked about those comments, and let it be known that trashing talking her is something Pena needs to be very careful with.
“Congrats to her on her victory. I know she must be on cloud nine right now. And I would just caution her to be careful. You don’t say stuff like that to people like me unless you mean it,” Harrison told “>TMZ Sports. “This isn’t a Conor McGregor, let’s talk a little sh*t and it doesn’t [mean anything]. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
“I have a lot of respect for her. She went out there and executed a great game plan. She did what she had to do, but I’m not the lesser of anything or anyone or anybody. When I come to fight, you’re gonna know you’re in a fight. Be careful what you say. I think it’s just dumb too. She fights at 135, I fight right now at 155, so unless you’re willing to back it up then don’t say stuff like that. Don’t open that can of worms.”
Harrison claims she could beat UFC champ with one arm
It’s unclear if Pena would even entertain the idea of a move up to featherweight for a bout with Harrison — assuming she does sign with the promotion. However, a matchup at bantamweight seems even less likely, since the two-time Olympic gold medalist says she would need to “chop off an arm” to make the weight class. Although she admits one less arm wouldn’t stop her from beating Pena in a fight.
“‘[One forty-five] I can make, but I’d have to chop off an arm to make 135, and I think it would only take me one arm to beat her if she wants to talk that sh*t,” she said.
Harrison is one of the most sought-after free agents in the sport. Along with attending UFC 269 this past weekend, and speaking with UFC executives about joining the promotion, she recently took in Bellator 271 and spoke with representatives of that organization as well. Furthermore, she has admitted on several occasions that the PFL is still in play to retain her services.
Is a fight between Harrison and Pena in the Octagon something you hope to see in the future?
