Kayla Harrison expects to be superior to Julianna Pena in every aspect on UFC 316.
Before Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley's Rematch in the main event, another Bantamweight belt will be at stake when Harrison Pena challenges the UFC 316 Co-Headliner.
For Harrison, her first title shot on MMA's largest stage is on the heels of a perfect 2-0 start of her UFC career in 2024.
The former Judoka has sworn to dominate the field within the Octagon, as she did on the way to two PFL titles before she signed at the UFC.
And Harrison does not expect Pena to present much of an obstacle for her to UFC 316, as long as she prevents 'the Venezuelan Vixen' doing one thing.
Kayla Harrison says that Julianna Pena can only win if she allows a 'brawl' on UFC 316
During the Vechtweek, Harrison appeared extremely confidently that she will prove her crooked favorite opportunities correctly on UFC 316.
And during an interview with Megan Olivi for ESPN, the double Olympic gold medal winner insisted that the champion has only one route to keep its title on UFC 316.
“Look, she's very unorthodox,” Harrison said. “She absolutely loves fighting. I think that is really her only chance is to try to make it a fight.”
Harrison, however, does not intend to let that happen.
“But my fight IQ, my coaches, my team – we have a plan. I am going outside and implement the game plan, and stay with it, and be smart, and become a UFC champion,” Harrison added.
Julianna Pena was able to seduce Amanda Nunes in a fight
One of Harrison's former teammates can certainly talk about the dangers to let Pena seduce her into a fight on UFC 316.
Before she demanded her revenge in their rematch, Nunes was dramatically submitted by Pena at UFC 269 in December 2021.
Fans in T-Mobile Arena were only in the fight for a few minutes when both women waved in wild intentions, which led to 'the lioness' who sucked out and eventually succumbed to a rear choke entry.
After he had been in the corner four years ago, Harrison's coach Mike Brown will undoubtedly be well informed of Pena's path to victory on Saturday evening in Newark.