MORRISTOWN, N.J. – Kayla Harrison paid her respects to Ronda Rousey ahead of UFC 316.
Hoping to follow in Rousey’s footsteps in the octagon, Harrison (18-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) challenges bantamweight champion Julianna Peña (13-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) in Saturday’s co-main event (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Peña took a jab at Harrison for losing to Rousey in the 2005 Judo USA Championships after Harrison said that unlike Rousey, she was able to win two Olympic gold medals in judo. Harrison clarified that she didn’t mean any disrespect toward Rousey, who won a bronze medal in the judo Olympics.
“I was 15, and I was being sexually abused by my judo coach. It was not the best time in my life,” Harrison said of her loss to Rousey in judo during the UFC 316 media day on Wednesday. “She beat me, and I’m not taking anything away from Ronda.
“Ronda had an amazing career, and I would not be here if it weren’t for Ronda Rousey. I have nothing but gratitude for her and the glass ceilings that she shattered for women in this sport. In our judo careers, I didn’t tell any lies. My career in judo is going to be very hard to touch. And in MMA, that’s the goal.”
Jon Anik told MMA Junkie that Harrison has an opportunity to become the face of women’s MMA, and Harrison says that’s the goal after UFC 316.
“Nobody is perfect. We’re all doing the best we can. But there’s going to be a new face of women’s MMA very soon,” Harrison said.
