Pros Predict Julianna Pena Vs. Kayla Harrison – ‘She’s Too Strong’

Julianna Pena defends her bantamweight belt against Kayla Harrison at UFC 316, as MMA pros gave their predictions. 

Pena secured the belt with a win over Raquel Pennington at UFC 307. She bounced back after failing to secure the title against Amanda Nunes, who would then retire. Pennington has three wins from her last four fights, as Harrison presents another challenge. 

Harrison has won the lightweight title under the PFL banner as she seeks to add a UFC belt. Since joining the UFC at UFC 300, she has beaten Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira, respectively. While there have been worries over Harrison making weight, she has alleviated those worries as she is on the cusp of making history. 

Predictions

“I’m going with Harrison, I think she gets a ground-and-pound stoppage,” said Jack Hermansson, UFC middleweight.

“I’m going with Kayla Harrison. I just think she’s too strong and physical and will be able to outwrestle Pena and likely get a finish on the ground,” said Mario Bautista, UFC bantamweight.

“That is a tough one, I’ll say, Kayla, but it’s super close. I think Pena will do better than a lot of people think,” said Beneil Dariush, UFC lightweight.

“I’m going with Pena. We go back to Combate Americas, I’m a big fan of hers, and I think she can survive and then drag Harrison into the deep end,” said John Castaneda, UFC bantamweight.

“That is an intriguing fight. Kayla should have the wrestling and strength advantage. I’m rooting for Julianna due to us both being from the Pacific Northwest. Pena is a dog, and I think she can bring Harrison into the deep end, and the longer the fight goes, the better for her. I think she gets a late-round stoppage,” said Julian Erosa, UFC featherweight.

“I’m going with Kayla Harrison. She’s too strong for Pena and will be able to control her on the ground,” said Gabe Green, UFC lightweight.

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