Newly-crowned UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison received an emotional welcome back to the gym after UFC 316.
Kayla Harrison‘s quick ascent to the UFC women’s bantamweight title ended in a dominant win in the UFC 316 co-main event last Saturday in Newark. In the closing seconds of Round 2 against Julianna Peña, Harrison nearly broke Peña’s arm with a kimura before the reigning titleholder tapped to the submission.
It was a result that many UFC fans expected, as Harrison entered UFC 316 as a significant favorite over Peña. Harrison lived up to the lofty expectations with the performance of her life to win a UFC world championship.
Harrison is one of several big UFC stars to come out of American Top Team-Florida, alongside the likes of upcoming UFC 318 headliner Dustin Poirier and others. As Harrison returned to ATT for the first time since UFC 316, she received a hero’s welcome as the new queen of women’s MMA.
Alexandre Pantoja, Dustin Poirier welcome Kayla Harrison back to the gym after UFC 316
ATT is often a busy MMA gym, and as summer quickly approaches, right now isn’t a different time period. Poirier is set to face Max Holloway in his expected retirement fight next month at UFC 318, and other top names are preparing for marquee matchups at the gym.
It was a long road for Harrison to climb MMA’s competitive ladder, including a long, decorated tenure in the PFL. After winning the UFC women’s bantamweight title, Harrison received a warm reception at ATT from some of her star teammates.
Watch Harrison walk in the doors of ATT for the first time since UFC 316 below.
UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja showcased his impressive strength by hoisting Harrison over his head as he welcomed her back to the gym. Poirier also shared a heart-warming moment with Harrison between two of ATT’s top veterans.
Pantoja is set to return to the Octagon later this month at UFC 317 as he defends his flyweight belt against the always-dangerous Kai Kara-France. Pantoja returns after defeating Kai Asakura at UFC 310 in December.
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Kayla Harrison set to have another ATT reunion for next UFC title fight
As for what’s next for Harrison, the new UFC women’s bantamweight champion will welcome back a legend and a former teammate for her next expected fight. Harrison and Amanda Nunes faced off in the Octagon during Harrison’s post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
Harrison and Nunes had some bad blood after Nunes’s sudden departure from ATT after her stunning loss at UFC 269. But the two have since squashed their past beef, and shared a cordial interaction in the immediate aftermath of Harrison’s title win.
Nunes sent Harrison an ominous reminder of their time training together at ATT. As Nunes plans her MMA comeback, she wants to make another big statement against Harrison and once again prove her dominance.
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