Kayla Harrison eyes Best Female​ Fighter Status ⁤at⁢ UFC 316

Updated June 05,⁢ 2025

Could UFC 316 ⁣introduce a new contender ‍for the title of best female⁤ fighter? Valentina Shevchenko has long held the top spot, but Kayla Harrison is looking to⁢ stake her​ claim. Following Shevchenko’s recent title⁢ defense, attention is turning to Harrison’s upcoming fight.

Harrison is set to challenge Julianna Pena at UFC 316.American Top‍ team coach Mike ​Brown believes Harrison ‍is ⁢not just a contender, but the best female fighter on the planet. He expressed confidence in Harrison’s ability to prove her greatness.

“She’s the‌ best in the world,‍ and ​it’s ⁢time to show‍ everybody,” Brown said. He noted Harrison’s dedication​ sence starting her MMA career at ‍ATT.

Harrison⁢ has her sights set beyond ⁢the title. She ⁤hopes to face Amanda Nunes, considered by many to be the greatest of all time. Harrison acknowledged Nunes’ accomplishments and expressed a desire to compete against the best.

“I just think that ​she is the greatest of ‌all time…I didn’t come to⁤ the sport to be the second greatest,” harrison told MMA ​Junkie.

Nunes’ recent⁢ retirement was short-lived. She is expected to challenge the winner of ‌the Harrison-Pena fight, ​setting the stage for a potential clash⁢ between Harrison ‍and Nunes.

What’s next

The outcome of ​UFC 316 will significantly impact the landscape of ‍women’s MMA. If Kayla Harrison defeats Julianna Pena, a super ⁤fight with Amanda Nunes could be on the ⁣horizon, possibly solidifying Harrison’s ‍claim as ⁣the best female fighter.