Preparing for the championship weight at UFC 316 presented significant challenges for Kayla Harrison.
Kayla Harrison, who recently claimed the UFC women`s bantamweight title, caused concern among observers with her appearance at Friday`s weigh-in before UFC 316. Although she ultimately secured the championship belt in Newark, her body endured significant internal strain leading up to her bout against Julianna Peña.
Harrison concluded a successful run in the UFC by winning the championship, submitting Peña late in the second round at UFC 316. This long-anticipated fight saw Harrison dominate the former champion throughout, highlighting her strong performance in the Octagon.
Achieving a career goal at UFC 316 came at a significant physical cost for Harrison in the hours prior to the event.
Kayla Harrison Undertook Grueling 15-Week Regimen to Make 135 lbs
Harrison`s visibly depleted appearance at the official weigh-in on Friday worried fans, although she successfully hit the 135 lbs mark. This was only the third time in her career she had weighed in at this weight, all under the UFC banner.
Harrison alluded to an incredibly difficult process over several weeks to reach the championship weight. The new champion`s experience was something few people could withstand.
Speaking in a recent interview with Full Send MMA, Harrison described the extensive 15-week regimen she followed to make 135 lbs for UFC 316.
“Many people talk about the struggle, but not everyone truly commits to it. For the past 12 weeks, I haven`t skipped a single day of running, walking, swimming, or biking six miles,” Harrison stated.
“On Sundays, I did eight miles. For 12 to 15 weeks, I followed a strict diet, eating only food prepared by my chef and nutritionist, allowing myself just one scoop of peanut butter when I felt like I was about to collapse or desperately needed sugar.”
“I`ve endured significant challenges, but because of them, I`ve become someone with an unbreakable spirit and unshakeable faith. I am truly proud of that, and this belt symbolizes that journey.”
Having successfully made 135 lbs for UFC 316, Harrison must now consistently make the weight for a potential long and successful title reign. A highly anticipated super fight against Amanda Nunes is tentatively scheduled for early 2026 at the soonest, contingent on Nunes rejoining the UFC`s drug testing program.
PFL Offers Congratulatory Message to Kayla Harrison After UFC 316 Title Win
Meanwhile, as Harrison celebrates her historic achievement, her former MMA promotion commented on her UFC 316 performance. Although her departure from PFL in 2024 was reportedly difficult, leading to tension with co-founder Donn Davis, their interaction during UFC 316 fight week was more amiable.
In a recent statement, Davis mentioned his four-year effort to advocate for Harrison`s recognition in the pound-for-pound rankings. Following her title victory at UFC 316, Harrison is expected to significantly rise in the UFC`s pound-for-pound list.
As Harrison anticipates a potential super fight against Nunes, she is increasingly seen as a leading figure in modern women`s MMA, poised to further her legacy within the UFC.
Neville Whittle 
Jack Thornley