UFC 316 Bantamweight War Could Reshape the Division

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 4:58 PM ET

UFC 316 is on the horizon, rumored to be scheduled for June 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event is expected to feature a notable women’s bantamweight title fight that has captured the attention of MMA heads everywhere.

The division has maintained high standards, a legacy partly built by recently‑retired champion Amanda Nunes, who is widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest fighters. Nunes dominated the division for years, holding both the bantamweight and featherweight titles simultaneously—a feat rarely achieved in the sport.

According to Women's MMA Rankings , the UFC 316 card is expected to feature a title fight between Champion Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison. Peña, who has previously engaged in two high‑profile bouts with Amanda Nunes, most recently secured a split decision win over Raquel Pennington at UFC 307 in 2024. Her performance in these fights has reinforced her reputation as a resilient and skilled competitor in the division.

Fight Announcement: It’s finally happening! “The Venezuelan Vixen” Julianna Peña defends her UFC bantamweight title against Kayla Harrison at #UFC316 on June 7!

Full list of upcoming women’s UFC fights:
https://t.co/7G7njipKOm #WMMA #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/Hp2aolMM3k
— Women's MMA Rankings (@WMMARankings) February 24, 2025

Kayla Harrison, transitioning from her successful run in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), has built a promising UFC record of 2‑0, which includes a submission victory over Holly Holm. Her dominance in the PFL has provided a strong foundation as she transitions to this new challenge in the UFC.

This fight presents an intriguing stylistic contrast, with both athletes bringing unique strengths to the octagon. As they prepare to test their skills at the highest level, the matchup offers a compelling look at the evolving landscape of the division.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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