Kayla
Harrison is willing to replace either Raquel
Pennington or Julianna
Pena in their UFC 307
title fight if needed.
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The promotion recently announced Pennington’s title defense against
Pena as the co-main event at UFC 307 on Oct. 5 at the Delta Center
in Salt Lake City, Utah. Meanwhile, Harrison fights Ketlen
Vieira on the same card, with the winner expected to get the
next bantamweight title shot.
Harrison doesn’t necessarily agree with the matchups and considers
herself deserving of a title shot already. However, she plans to
put on a performance that will set her levels apart from not only
her opponent, but also from the other two bantamweights fighting
for the title.
“I don’t necessarily agree with the decision, but if they want me
to smash another skull, I’ll smash another skull,” Harrison told
MMAjunkie.com. “I think Ketlen’s good. I’m just
at a different level. I’m at a different level from all of them.
I’m gonna go out on Oct. 5 and prove that I’m at a different level
and I’m gonna make Ketlen and those other two girls who are
fighting, look ridiculous. And then everyone’s gonna know that it’s
time for Kayla to get her belt.”
While Harrison had rallied for a gold bid, Pena was seemingly
promised one already. However, Harrison wants to be the backup for
the UFC 307 co-main in case anyone pulls out.
“I talked to a couple of people. I wanted to fight for the belt,
but the next shot was promised to Julianna so she gets her wish for
now,” Harrison said. “Unless one of them gets hurt or sick or
something and then Mommy’s coming home… Absolutely [willing to be a
backup], two hours’ notice, one hour notice, 20 minutes’
notice.”
A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Harrison slightly favors Pena
against Pennington, although she considers it a pick em’ for the
most part. However, Harrison would also prefer the opportunity to
quiet “The Venezuelan Vixen.”
“Honestly, my heart tends to lean towards the grapplers,” Harrison
said. “So I think probably Julianna but it’s anybody’s fight.
Raquel’s tough, she’s seasoned, she’s decent everywhere. I really
don’t care, I’d smash them both in one night… I kind of wanna shut
Julianna though, I’d enjoy it. I’d have more pleasure out of that.”