Honestly, if you’re looking for a polite rivalry in the UFC, you've come to the wrong place. The heat between Kayla Harrison and Julianna Pena isn't just "selling a fight." It’s visceral. It’s the kind of genuine dislike that makes press conferences uncomfortable for everyone in the front row. While most fans are currently looking at the fallout of the cancelled UFC 324 card—where Harrison was forced out of her "super-fight" with Amanda Nunes due to neck surgery—the shadow of Pena still looms large over the entire bantamweight division.
Basically, these two women are the polar opposites of the MMA world. You have Kayla Harrison, the two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, a woman built like a tank who treats fighting like a clinical, dominant business. Then you have Julianna Pena, the "Venezuelan Vixen," who thrives on chaos, grit, and being the ultimate underdog who ruins everyone else's plans.
The Night Everything Changed at UFC 316
Let’s look at what actually happened when they finally shared the Octagon. It was June 7, 2025. People were skeptical. Could Kayla actually make 135 pounds consistently? Could she handle the pressure of the big stage after years in the PFL?
She answered those questions by essentially steamrolling Pena. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Kayla Harrison submitted Julianna Pena via kimura at 4:55 of the second round to take the UFC bantamweight title.
Before the fight, the trash talk was legendary. Harrison famously told Pena, "You've lost more fights than I've lost rounds." It's a brutal line because it's almost factually true. Harrison’s career has been a masterclass in lopsided scorecards, whereas Pena has made a career out of surviving wars and occasionally getting caught.
Pena, never one to back down, fired back with accusations about Harrison’s physique and the "protected" path she took before entering the UFC. It was personal. It was messy. And even after the tap, the tension didn't magically evaporate.
Why the Rematch Isn't Happening (Yet)
If you follow the rankings, Pena is still sitting at #2. She’s the former champ. She has a win over the GOAT, Amanda Nunes. Normally, that puts you in line for a trilogy or a massive rematch. But the UFC 135-pound landscape is a total wreck right now.
Here is the current situation as of January 2026:
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- Kayla Harrison just underwent surgery for herniated discs in her neck.
- She’s out for at least six months.
- Amanda Nunes is officially out of retirement, waiting for a fight that now doesn't exist.
- Julianna Pena is left in the lurch, shouting from the sidelines.
The problem for Pena is that Kayla’s win at UFC 316 was so definitive. When you get finished in two rounds after being out-grappled by a judoka, it’s hard to convince Dana White that the world is "clamoring" for a second go-around. Plus, with Nunes back in the mix, the UFC is much more interested in the "clash of the titans" narrative between Harrison and Nunes than they are in seeing Pena try to find a way to stop Kayla’s takedowns again.
What Most People Miss
There’s this weird misconception that Pena is just a "trash talker." You’ve got to give her more credit than that. She’s arguably the most resilient fighter in the division's history. She took a beating from Nunes in their second fight and never stopped moving forward. She did the same against Harrison.
But Harrison is a different kind of problem. She’s not just strong; she’s technically perfect in the clinch. In their fight, every time Pena tried to create the "chaos" she’s famous for, Harrison simply reset, grabbed a collar or an arm, and put her on the floor. It was a mismatch of styles.
The "Steroid" Accusations and Mental Warfare
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Pena hasn't been shy about accusing Harrison of using performance enhancers. She’s brought it up in almost every media appearance since 2024.
"She's a science project," Pena said during the UFC 316 media day.
Harrison usually laughs this stuff off. She points to her years in the Olympic testing pool—which is way more rigorous than USADA or the current Drug Free Sport International program. But this kind of talk stays with fans. It creates a "villain" narrative for Harrison, whether it’s fair or not.
Honestly, the beef is good for the sport. It gives the bantamweight division a pulse it hasn't had since the peak of the Rousey era.
What’s Next for the 135-pound Throne?
With Harrison sidelined by surgery, the division is in a weird holding pattern. There’s talk of an interim title, but as Daniel Cormier recently pointed out, do we really need one? Amanda Nunes doesn't need a belt to be a superstar.
If Harrison is out for the majority of 2026, the UFC has two choices:
- Nunes vs. Pena 3: The trilogy fight for the interim belt. It makes sense on paper, but do fans want to see it a third time?
- Nunes vs. Norma Dumont: Dumont is on a heater right now, and she’s a fresh face for the GOAT.
Pena is currently 36 years old. She knows the clock is ticking. Every month Harrison spends in rehab is a month Pena loses in her athletic prime. You can bet she’s going to spend that time making as much noise as possible on social media to force her way into a title shot—interim or otherwise.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re tracking this rivalry for future betting or just to stay ahead of the curve, keep these points in mind:
- Follow the medicals: Harrison’s neck surgery isn't minor. Watch her recovery videos. If she loses even 5% of her explosiveness or her ability to bridge in grappling, the gap between her and Pena closes significantly.
- The Nunes Factor: If Nunes takes a "tune-up" fight or faces Pena for an interim belt while Harrison is out, the winner becomes the "real" target for Harrison’s return.
- Weight Cutting: Harrison’s cut to 135 is always the story. If her surgery prevents her from doing heavy cardio for months, that next cut is going to be a nightmare.
- The "GOAT" status: Pena is the only person to truly break Nunes in the Octagon. If she can find a way to do that to Harrison in a potential rematch, she’s the undisputed queen of the "spoilers."
The rivalry isn't over. It’s just on ice. When Kayla Harrison returns with a repaired neck, the target on her back will be bigger than ever, and you can bet Julianna Pena will be the first one in line with a microphone and a grudge.