Kayla Harrison appreciates UFC bantamweight champion Julianna Pena ’s journey – even if she struggles to sometimes. Harrison (18-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) challenges Peña (11-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) in the UFC 316 co-main event June 7 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka and two-time PFL champion Harrison has opened up as a massive favorite over Peña , but does she see “The Venezuelan Vixen” as her toughest test to date? “We’ll see, we’ll find out. I mean, there’s always that little bit of unknown when you fight a new opponent,” Harrison said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “So, skill-wise, I don’t think she’s the top of the top, but I think in terms of heart and maybe experience, she’s got some good experience, and she’s definitely got confidence. I would argue cockiness, maybe.” Peña’s confidence comes from being a two-time UFC bantamweight champion, with one of her title wins coming in a big underdog finish over former dual-champ Amanda Nunes
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Kayla Harrison wants to respect Julianna Peña, ‘but she’s pretty dumb sometimes’ – MMA Junkie