‘I Was Gonna Pass Out’ — Kayla Harrison Details Grueling Regime She Undergoes To Make 135 Pounds

Kayla Harrison’s rise to UFC bantamweight gold has been swift and dominant, but far from easy.

After defeating Julianna Peña with a kimura at 4:55 of Round 2 in the UFC 316 co-main event, she reflected on the grueling challenge of making the bantamweight limit

Kayla Harrison Reveals Brutal Weight-Cut Experience

Before the main event closed out UFC 316, the women’s bantamweight title fight delivered high stakes and high drama. Peña returned to defend her belt against Olympic legend Harrison in the co-main event — and she was no match for the relentless grappling force she faced.

Harrison submitted Peña via kimura at 4:55 of Round 2, capturing the UFC women’s bantamweight title in just her third fight inside the promotion. From the start, Harrison imposed her will. A first-round takedown and ground control kept Peña on the defensive, and a pair of illegal upkicks from the champion only added to Peña’s frustrations. After a dominant round, Harrison returned in the second to finish what she started.

Transitioning from an arm-triangle to a kimura along the fence, Harrison locked in the submission with seconds left in the round. Peña had no choice but to tap. In doing so, Harrison etched her name alongside Henry Cejudo as the only fighters in history to win both Olympic gold and a UFC title.

SHE IS HER 👑

Last night @KaylaH defeated Julianna Pena to become the NEW bantamweight champion of the world! #UFC316 pic.twitter.com/PUj6h6YZEl

— UFC (@ufc) June 8, 2025

While Harrison’s performance was near-flawless, the path to 135 pounds was anything but smooth. Speaking backstage with FULL SEND MMA, the 34-year-old shared harrowing details about her preparation.

“A lot of people talk about it, but a lot of people ain’t about it,” Harrison said. “Every single day for the last 12 weeks, I haven’t missed a single day of running, walking, swimming, or biking six miles.”

She further revealed that Sundays were even more intense, with her pushing through eight miles of cardio. Her diet was strictly monitored, relying solely on food prepared by her chef and nutritionist.

“I’d only eat food that’s in my fridge from my chief and my nutritionist, and I’ll have 1 scoop of peanut butter when I feel like I’m going to pass out or dying for some sugar,” she explained. “I’ve been through some stuff, but who I became as a result of that stuff, my spirit is unbreakable. My faith is unshakeable, and I’m really proud of that and that’s what this belt represents.”

Kayla Harrison’s insane training regiment she goes through to make 135 lbs

“Every day for 12 weeks I walk, swim or bike 6 miles. I do 8 on Sundays. I only eat food that’s in my fridge from my chef and I’ll have 1 scoop of peanut butter if I feel like I’m going to pass out” 🤯 pic.twitter.com/c5kx0uNKSA

— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) June 8, 2025

Amanda Nunes’ Comeback Timeline Remains Unclear Amid Potential Fight With Harrison

After the main event, Amanda Nunes stepped into the Octagon for a face-off with Harrison, hinting at a blockbuster return. However, hopes of a quick comeback for “The Lioness” are currently stalled.

Having retired after UFC 289 in June 2023, Nunes is no longer part of the USADA drug-testing pool. According to UFC President Dana White, she would need to undergo six months of testing before becoming eligible to fight again

“She’s been off,” White told reporters post-fight. “I don’t know if she’s been training. I don’t know what she’s been doing. Is she in the pool? No, she’s not.”

Although the UFC can grant exemptions, such cases are rare and still require two negative tests before clearance. If Nunes re-enters the testing pool soon, fans could see two of the most decorated female fighters in history collide by early 2026 — a legacy fight in every sense.