Kayla Harrison’s Kimura Completed Her Climb to UFC Gold
Kayla Harrison submitted Julianna Peña to win the UFC women’s bantamweight championship on June 7, 2025. The UFC 316 co-main event at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, ended with a kimura at 4:55 of the second round.
Top control established the early advantage
Harrison took Peña down during the first round and maintained control for much of the frame. Peña lost a point after illegal upkicks struck Harrison while she was grounded.
In the second round, Harrison again brought the action to the canvas. She pursued an arm-triangle before changing attacks and securing the kimura shortly before the horn.
Two UFC victories had earned the opportunity
Harrison made her UFC debut against Holly Holm in April 2024. She submitted the former champion with a rear-naked choke at 1:47 of the second round.
She then defeated Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision in October. The Peña matchup became her third UFC appearance, and its finish completed a rapid progression from promotional newcomer to champion.
Olympic and MMA achievements preceded the title
Harrison had won Olympic judo gold in London in 2012 and repeated that achievement in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. She later won PFL championship tournaments in 2019 and 2021.
The UFC belt added another major championship to that background. Against Peña, Harrison combined the ability to establish top position with a change of submission attack, turning sustained grappling control into the decisive moment of her title-winning performance.
Sources
- UFC: takedowns, point deduction and kimura transition
- UFC: Holm and Vieira victories, Peña finish and PFL championships
- UFC: London and Rio Olympic gold medals
- UFC: official title result and event details
