Julianna Peña to Defend Bantamweight Title Against Kayla Harrison at UFC 316

Kayla Harrison’s long-awaited shot at UFC gold is officially set, as she prepares to challenge reigning women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Peña at UFC 316 on June 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

UFC CEO Dana White revealed the news during an Instagram Live session, announcing the high-stakes showdown as part of a series of fights booked for the event.

This bout will mark Harrison’s first opportunity to capture a UFC title, following an impressive transition from PFL to the UFC earlier in 2024. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and former PFL champion has built a strong resume, compiling an 18-1 record and showcasing her elite grappling skills. Since making her UFC debut, Harrison has already secured two significant victories—a submission win over Holly Holm and a dominant decision against Ketlen Vieira—which positioned her for this championship opportunity.

Meanwhile, Peña, now 35 years old, reclaimed the 135-pound championship in October 2023 with a controversial split-decision victory over Raquel Pennington at UFC 307. She initially aimed for a trilogy fight against Amanda Nunes, hoping to bring the legendary former champion out of retirement, but those plans did not materialize. Instead, she will face a new and formidable challenge in Harrison.

With two elite competitors colliding for the bantamweight title, UFC 316 is set to deliver a highly anticipated clash that could reshape the division’s future.