Kayla Harrison believes that the fight against Amanda Nunez can help women take mixed martial arts to the next level.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist added another admiration to her illustrious resume at UFC 316, beating Juliana Pena to win the bantamweight world title.
Shortly after the battle, Harrison, along with the octagonal Nunes, saw the battle fans win a munching fan with the bits, and the two icons were eventually thrown into MMA’s biggest stage.
Harrison appeared on Ariel Hellwanishaw following a major victory in Garden State, suggesting that “Lion” will provide one of the biggest battles in the history of women’s combat sports, moving needles throughout WMMA, as long as “The Lion” brings her A-game.
“I want Amanda to be her absolute best self,” Harrison said. “I want the two best fighters in the world to step into their cages and leave them all there and put a hell of fighting to see the world and take women’s MMA to a whole new level. The best women might win.”
After a short delay, Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes is closer than ever
This isn’t the first time Harrison vs. Nunes has been at the table. The two-time PFL champion was on hand when Nunes first met Julianna Pena in a Bantamweight title clash at UFC 269. As a massive favorite, everyone assumed that “Liones” would hold her title and set the stage for her and Harrison showdown.
However, Pena has other plans, winning one of the biggest disruptions in UFC history.
It may have been late, but Harrison’s Pena’s dominant defeat appears to promise one of the most anticipated matchups in MMA history, regardless of gender.