34-year-old Kayla Harrison put in a dominant display after submitting fellow American, Julianna Pena, to win the bantamweight title at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday night.
Victory in New Jersey was achieved in the second round when Harrison pulled off a kimura move at the end of round two, adding a first UFC championship to two Olympic judo gold medals and two PFL world titles.
“This is for anyone who’s ever felt hopeless, who’s wanted to quit, who’s wanted to give up. On Thursday I wanted to quit, I wanted to give up,” Harrison said after the win which was witnessed by U.S. President, Donald Trump.
She added, “I’m referring to 135lb – only God can get that last pound off me, I’m not strong enough. You have to go to a bad place and the only way through is to have surrender and have faith.”
After the bout Harrison faced-off with former double champion Amanda Nunes, who confirmed she would be coming out of retirement to challenge for the belt.