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Two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka Kayla Harrison is set to challenge UFC women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Peña in the co-main event of UFC 316 on June 7, 2025.
Interestingly, Harrison was once a roommate and training partner of Olympic bronze medalist and former UFC champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey. Peña recently stirred things up by taking jabs at both Harrison and Rousey, drawing comparisons that quickly caught the attention of fans.
Fans Chime In on Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison Reacting to Ronda Rousey Comparison
In a recent episode of UFC Live on the ESPN MMA YouTube channel, Peña and Harrison exchanged words in a fiery faceoff. A key talking point was Peña’s repeated comparison of Harrison to the retired MMA icon. “The Venezuelan Vixen” has long been critical of both fighters’ skills.
Harrison quickly shut down the comparison, making it clear she sees herself in a different league.
“First of all, I’m not Ronda, ’cause Ronda couldn’t win an Olympic gold medal. And second of all, you are a great fighter,” Harrison said. Peña jumped in, replying, “She beat you. Didn’t she?” Harrison answered, “She doesn’t hold a candle to my career.”
Kayla Harrison: First of all, I’m not Ronda cause Ronda couldn’t win an Olympic Gold medal. pic.twitter.com/uzrPyXECun
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) May 31, 2025
Peña then reminded viewers that Harrison lost to Rousey during their judo careers. She also mocked Harrison’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, saying his prediction that Harrison would surpass Rousey still hasn’t come true.
Harrison didn’t back down.
“I know you’ve got nothing to lose. I know that you’re gonna throw the kitchen sink at me because you have no idea how you’re gonna beat me. And on June 7, I’m gonna put a hurtin’ on you,” she said.
Peña fired back, mocking the Olympic champ. Neither fighter was willing to give ground.
Fans had mixed reactions to the fiery back-and-forth. Some weren’t impressed. One X user wrote, “Holy ** listening to them bicker makes me want a refund for the ppv.”
Others felt the trash talk added to the excitement. A commenter replied, “Lmao cook,” while another added, “This title fight has all the built in drama for June 7th!! Can’t wait.”
I am so excited to see this fight. They don’t like each other.
— Molefi Lebone (@MolefiLebone) May 31, 2025
One fan commented, “I am so excited to see this fight. They don’t like each other.”
The MMA community seems split on who will win. One fan picked Harrison, writing, “Kayla Harrison is definitely gonna whoop her a**.”
Another threw support behind Peña, saying, “I love Peña bro.”
I love Pena bro 🔥
— DKtREee (@DKtREee) May 31, 2025
Of course, some fans went in on Peña’s talking style. One user wrote, “No clue how Peña is even champ, she should’ve lost. Every time she talks I go deaf.”
Another added, “Ronda greater than both of them still.”
