Making her second outing under the UFC banner this Saturday at UFC 307 was Kayla Harrison, as she took on the number two ranked bantamweight Ketlen Vieira in a number one contender fight.
When the promotion booked a title fight between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Pena, Harrison made it her goal to pick up another win to make herself undeniable for the next title shot.
Throughout her storied career so far, more often than not Harrison has been entirely dominant in the cage, and with the addition of being able to use her elbows, she has turned into a different beast.
Despite that, she had to get through the tough test of Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 to secure her title shot, and things may not have gone as simply as she would’ve liked.
The first battle for Harrison these days is making 136lbs on the scales, and once that is accomplished, she is expected to dominate whoever is put in front of her.
Going into this fight against the Brazilian, Harrison was a huge favorite to get her hand raised.
After an extremely dominant first round, it seemed as though the Olympic gold medalist would turn it up a notch in round two and may even get a finish. However, Vieira grew into the fight and began to pose a problem for the 34-year-old.
Joe Rogan: “She is just manhandling her. Or womanhandling, I should say.” 😭😭#UFC307 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/kOF6loOKkM
After a brief clinch exchange against the cage, the two females traded elbows, with Vieira’s landing with far more damage, leaving a huge hematoma on the forehead of Harrison. The former PFL lightweight champion then began to leak blood from her head, which was the first time she had ever bled in her MMA career.
Fortunately for the ATT product, she overcame adversity and turned the tide of the fight again in round three, picking up the unanimous decision victory on the scorecards.
With Raquel Pennington and Julianna Pena facing off in the co-main event, Harrison made sure to send both fighters a message ahead of their big title fight.
“Ladies, enjoy it while you can cause the Queen is home and she’s coming for that f*cking gold,” she told Joe Rogan in the Octagon following her win.
Harrison's Dominance Continues: UFC 307 Victory Lands Her a Title Shot
Harrison’s dominance was on full display as she thoroughly dismantled Vieira in the first round. Vieira, however, managed to find her footing in the second, and began to pose a threat to Harrison’s undefeated record.
Adversity and Resilience: Harrison's First Blood
Despite the early success, Harrison faced a significant setback in the second round, when Vieira landed an elbow that opened a cut on Harrison's forehead. This was a first for Harrison, who had never bled in an MMA fight before. However, Harrison persevered, demonstrating her resilience and ultimately regained control of the fight.
The Queen's Return: Harrison's Title Shot Confirmed
The victory cemented Harrison's status as a top contender and secured her a title shot. Her dominant performance, particularly in the third round, left no doubt in the minds of the judges or the fans that she deserved a shot at the championship.
A Message to the Champions: Harrison's Warning
With the title fight between Pennington and Pena looming, Harrison sent a clear message to the winner: she is coming for the belt. Harrison's confidence and determination were evident throughout the fight and her post-fight interview, signaling a clear intent to claim the bantamweight championship.
The Journey Continues: Harrison's Future Prospects
Harrison's journey to the top of the UFC bantamweight division is far from over. She has proven her ability to adapt and overcome adversity, showcasing the skills and resilience needed to become a champion. With her sights set on the title, Harrison is poised to make a significant impact on the division and challenge for the championship in the near future.
Conclusion: A New Era in Bantamweight
The UFC bantamweight division is in for an exciting new era with Harrison's arrival. She is a force to be reckoned with, and her quest for the title is sure to captivate fans and generate excitement for the future of the division.
