Newly crowned UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison was greeted with an emotional hero`s welcome upon her return to the American Top Team (ATT) gym following her victory at UFC 316.
Harrison`s swift journey to the UFC bantamweight title culminated in a decisive win during the UFC 316 co-main event in Newark. Her dominant performance against Julianna Peña ended with a submission (kimura) in the closing moments of the second round, nearly breaking Peña`s arm before she tapped. As a significant favorite going into the fight, Harrison delivered a career-defining performance that met the high expectations and earned her the UFC world championship.
American Top Team in Florida is recognized as the training ground for numerous prominent UFC fighters, including upcoming headliner Dustin Poirier. Returning to ATT for the first time since her title win, Harrison was celebrated by her training partners, receiving a hero`s reception befitting the new queen of women`s mixed martial arts.
Teammates Welcome Kayla Harrison Back to the Gym
The bustling ATT gym saw UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja playfully demonstrate his strength by hoisting Harrison high in the air as part of the celebratory welcome. Dustin Poirier also shared a heartfelt moment with Harrison, acknowledging her remarkable achievement amongst the gym`s seasoned veterans. (Pantoja himself is currently preparing for his next title defense against Kai Kara-France at UFC 317 later this month).
It was a long road for Harrison to reach the top of MMA`s competitive ranks, marked by a successful tenure in the PFL. After securing the UFC women`s bantamweight title, Harrison was warmly received at ATT by her fellow star teammates.
Kayla Harrison`s Next Fight Could Be Another ATT Reunion
Looking ahead, the new UFC women`s bantamweight champion is anticipated to face a former teammate and MMA legend, Amanda Nunes, in her next title defense. Harrison and Nunes had an octagon face-off during Harrison’s post-fight interview. While there was past tension stemming from Nunes`s departure from ATT after her loss at UFC 269, the two have since resolved their differences and shared a cordial interaction immediately after Harrison`s title win.
During their interaction, Nunes referenced their time training together at ATT, sending a subtle warning as she signals her potential comeback to reclaim dominance in the bantamweight division. Nunes aims to make another strong statement by challenging Harrison.
Keywords: Kayla Harrison, UFC, UFC 316, American Top Team, ATT, Julianna Peña, Dustin Poirier, Alexandre Pantoja, Amanda Nunes, MMA, Women`s MMA
Rupert Hartwell