Julianna Peña criticizes Kayla Harrison and prioritizes Brazilian in fight for the title: 'it's what people want to see'

Julianna Pena in victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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In the co-main fight of UFC 307, in Salt Lake City (USA), Julianna Pena regained the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg) defeating Raquel Pennington. on the same night, Kayla harrison derrotou Ketlen Scallop, emerging as a strong candidate to become the next challenger. Although the American is ranked number two, the champion does not think she is ready for a title fight and is targeting a confrontation with Amanda nunes.

Peña revealed to 'MMA Today' who was not impressed with Kayla's performance, claiming that the fighter had physical difficulties and, therefore, is not ready to fight for the title. However, if her Brazilian rival needs more time to return, the champion does not rule out facing Harrison.

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“If Amanda wants to wait, I’ll fight Harrison. But honestly, I didn’t see anything in her fight against Ketlen Scallop that made me think, 'Wow, I'm terrified of Kayla harrison'. Spare me. She came in three weeks early and ran out of steam in three rounds. This is a five-round fight. Come fight me for 25 minutes and you'll see what it's like to fight championship rounds, fighting for the belt." said the champion.

Despite Harrison being ranked number two and, in theory, next in line to challenge for the title, Peña ignores her and insists on completing the trilogy with Amanda nunes, since the two are tied with one victory each, and, according to Peña, this is the most profitable and attractive confrontation for the public.

"Kayla harrison, get in line. I have unfinished business to attend to. The Amanda nunes It’s the big fight, the fight that makes money, the fight that people want to see.” concluded Peña.

Julianna Peña vs Amanda Nunes Rivalry

Going against the favoritism of Amanda nunes, Julianna Pena was able to shock the world in 2021 and dethroned the 'Lioness', winning by submission in the UFC 269. In the next fight, the Bahian got her revenge and took back her belt. The trilogy between the two would take place in UFC 289, but an injury took Julianna off the card. With that, the Brazilian faced Irene aldana at the time and, after winning, announced his retirement.