Kayla Harrison is on top of the world — and the UFC women’s bantamweight division — after her incredible second-round submission win over Julianna Peña at UFC 316. Now, just days after the biggest win of her MMA career, the 34-year-old superstar is already thinking about what’s next … and it could be the fight of the decade.
“Still Feels Surreal” — Kayla Soaks In Her Championship Moment
In a recent interview on TMZ Sports (FS1), Harrison was still processing her historic moment, saying:
“It still feels very surreal. It’s something I’ve wanted for so long. Realizing that dream — it feels crazy.”
But despite the shiny new belt and global attention, mom life doesn’t pause. Kayla admitted she was folding laundry during the interview.
“The belt doesn’t clean the house or feed the kids,” she joked.
“They Are the Real Prize” — Motherhood Keeps Her Grounded
Kayla spoke passionately about her kids, Emery and Kyla, calling them her true source of joy.
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“If I had come home with a UFC belt to an empty house… that would make me cry. They are the prize.”
Her grounded perspective proves that even champions have to juggle real life — and in her case, it’s filled with diapers, dishes, and discipline.
How Kayla Beat the Fighter Who Beat Nunes
Kayla’s dominant win over Julianna Peña, who once defeated Amanda Nunes, sent a powerful message: She’s the real deal.
“I expected 25 hard minutes. Even in the first round, I had opportunities to unleash but told myself to be smart,” Harrison said.
But when the 10-second warning hit during Round 2, she let go of caution.
“I was like, ‘f*** it.’”
Moments later: Kimura. Tap. New champ.
The Weight Cut Nearly Broke Her — “That Was All God”
Making 135 pounds for the first time was a brutal challenge for Kayla, who normally fought at featherweight or lightweight.
“There’s no way in hell I could’ve done it by myself. I’m not mentally strong enough. That was all God.”
She emphasized the importance of faith and support, calling the weight cut the hardest part of her entire UFC 316 journey.
Next Stop: Amanda Nunes?
With Peña behind her, all eyes are now on Amanda Nunes, the retired GOAT of women’s MMA. Harrison wants the best version of her possible.
“Amanda has to get back in the drug testing pool… I want to face the best Amanda Nunes ever. The ball’s in her court.”
The potential fight between Harrison and Nunes is already being called “the biggest fight in the history of women’s MMA.”
No Injuries, No Time Off — Kayla’s Ready to Train
Despite the tough fight week and emotional high, Kayla says she’s feeling healthy, clear-minded, and ready to return to the gym.
“I can’t wait. I feel good. It’s back to work. But first — a little relaxing with the kids.”
Catch the Full Interview
For more from Kayla — including how she handled the pressure, what her kids said after the fight, and her thoughts on legacy — check out the full TMZ Sports interview.
???? Final Thought:
From Olympic gold to UFC gold, Kayla Harrison is writing her legacy one fight at a time — with the heart of a champion and the soul of a mother. And if Amanda Nunes answers the call, we might just witness the greatest women’s fight of all time.
