Kayla Harrison is ready to fill in for either Raquel Pennington or Julianna Peña in the UFC 307 title fight, if necessary.
The organization recently announced that Pennington vs. Pena will defend his title as the co-main event of UFC 307, which takes place on October 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Meanwhile, Harrison will face Ketlen Vieira on the same card, with the winner expected to move on to a bantamweight title fight.
Harrison isn’t necessarily in favor of her opponent and believes she already deserves the title fight, but she’s looking to put in a performance that will set her apart not only from her opponent, but also from the other two bantamweights vying for the title.
“I don’t necessarily agree with the decision, but if they want me to crack his skull one more time, I’ll crack his skull one more time,” Harrison told MMAjunkie.com. “I think Ketlen is a good fighter. I’m just on a different level. I’m not like these other guys. I’m going to go out there on October 5th and prove I’m on a different level and make Quetlen and those other two guys look foolish, and then everyone will know it’s time for Kayla to win the belt.”
While Harrison will be fighting for the gold medal, Peña is already seemingly guaranteed it, but Harrison wants to be the backup in the co-main event at UFC 307 in case someone pulls out.
“I’ve talked to a few people. I would have loved to fight for the belt, but Juliana has been promised the next opportunity, so for now, her wish is granted,” Harrison said. “Unless someone gets hurt or sick and mommy comes home…obviously. [willing to be a
backup]2 hours ago, 1 hour ago, 20 minutes ago, etc.”
Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is slightly favoring Pena over Pennington but thinks it’s still too early to say who will win, but he also wants a chance to shut up the “Venezuelan bitch.”
“Honestly, my heart leans towards the grappler,” Harrison said, “so I think it’s probably Julianna, but I wouldn’t be surprised if anyone wins. Raquel is tough, experienced and all-around decent. I don’t really care. I’ll beat the crap out of both of them in one night… but I’d love to shut Julianna up. I’d enjoy it. I’d be happier that way.”
