Kayla Harrison claps back at UFC women's bantamweight division during UFC 307 presser

Kayla Harrison has proven her worth in both action and words and her appearance at the UFC 307 press conference solidified that. Harrison is fighting Ketlen Vieira in the main card opener for what many think is a title eliminator for whoever wins the co-main event between champion Raquel Pennington and former champion Julianna Pena. 

But on the dais at the UFC 307 all eyes and trash talk was either aimed at or spoken by Harrison proving each of the women on stage were keenly aware that Harrison could be next. 

“Fill in the blank,” Harrison said about her choice of opponents. “It doesn’t matter. It’s only a matter of time. I’m the uncrowned queen. First Saturday night, I smash Ketlen and then I come for my title. Enjoy it while you can ladies.”

Pena voiced her displeasure at Harrison for claiming so fast in the division after just one UFC fight. “I know violence,” Pena said. “Kayla just got here to the scene. As far as I’m concerned, the last time she faced a Brazilian, she came running into the UFC.”

She's here to set the record straight! 😤@KaylaH | #UFC307 pic.twitter.com/nbReElkEju

— UFC (@ufc) October 3, 2024

Pena was referring to the one loss on Harrison’s record, a decision loss to PFL’s Larissa Pacheco in 2022. “[I] just got here? I won two Olympic gold medals. You started your career in 2009 and you’re 10-5. I started in 2018 and I’m 17-1,” Harrison said. 

“I have more finishes than Julianna has wins,” she continued. “I don’t know what she’s talking about. She better slow down.”

Harrison’s opponent praised Harrison just briefly but agreed with Pena about the speed in which Harrison was being raised. “I know you have a great history in judo and I respect that but for you to skip the line, I feel that’s a little too much,” Vieira said. “We work so hard for this. Think about myself, since 2018, first I beat Sara McMann and I thought I have a shot at the title. Then I go out there and beat Cat Zingano, the girl that actually beat Amanda Nunes, I thought I had a shot at the title. Then I beat two former champions and I thought I’m going to have a shot at the title.”

Fans will need to tune in to find out how the two big bantamweight fights shake out on Saturday night in Salt Lake City.