Kayla Harrison admits Julianna Pena has a ‘chance’ at UFC 316 if she does one thing

Kayla Harrison says Julianna Pena can only win if she allows a ‘brawl’ at UFC 316

Harrison has appeared extremely confident during fight week that she’ll prove her lopsided favorite odds correct at UFC 316.

And during an interview with Megan Olivi for ESPN, the two-time Olympic gold medalist insisted that the champion has “only” one route to retaining her title at UFC 316.

“Look, she’s very unorthodox,” Harrison said. “She definitely likes to brawl. I think that that’s really her only chance, is to try and make it a brawl.”

Harrison, though, has no intention of letting that happen.

“But my fight IQ, my coaches, my team – we have a plan. I’m going to go out there and implement the game plan, and stick to it, and be smart, and become a UFC champion,” Harrison added.

Julianna Pena was able to tempt Amanda Nunes into a brawl

One of Harrison’s former teammates can certainly speak to the dangers of letting Pena tempt her into a brawl at UFC 316.

Before exacting her revenge in their rematch, Nunes was dramatically submitted by Pena at UFC 269 in December 2021.

Fans inside T-Mobile Arena were on their feet just minutes into the fight as both women swung with wild intentions, leading to ‘The Lioness’ tiring out and ultimately succumbing to a rear-naked choke submission.

Having been in the corner for that major upset four years ago, Harrison’s coach Mike Brown will no doubt be well aware of Pena’s path to victory Saturday night in Newark.