Jon Anik: Kayla Harrison Could Be the Next Face of Women’s MMA After UFC 316
The MMA world is buzzing with excitement as UFC commentator Jon Anik makes a bold prediction about Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison. Could she really be the one to carry women’s MMA forward? After watching her dominate in her first two UFC appearances, I’m starting to think Anik might be onto something big here.
Harrison (18-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is set to challenge bantamweight champion Julianna Peña (13-5 MMA) at UFC 316 in what could be a career-defining moment. This isn’t just another title fight – it’s potentially the passing of a torch in women’s mixed martial arts.
Why Harrison Could Be the Next Women’s MMA Superstar
When I first saw Kayla Harrison compete in the UFC, I was immediately struck by her presence. There’s something special about the way she carries herself – that rare combination of Olympic-level athleticism and star power that we haven’t seen since Ronda Rousey burst onto the scene.
Jon Anik, whose voice has become synonymous with the UFC’s biggest moments, sees it too. “Kayla has that ‘it factor’ that transcends the sport,” Anik recently stated. “Her judo background, combined with her evolving striking game, makes her a complete fighter who could carry women’s MMA for years to come.”
What makes this prediction particularly interesting is Harrison’s age. At 33, she’s entering what many consider the prime years for MMA fighters, especially those with her grappling pedigree. Unlike some athletes who struggle with the transition to MMA, Harrison has adapted her Olympic judo skills seamlessly to the octagon.
The Path Through Peña: Can Harrison Dethrone the Champion?
Let’s be real – Julianna Peña is no pushover. The “Venezuelan Vixen” shocked the world when she submitted Amanda Nunes to win the title, proving that in MMA, anything is possible on any given night. Peña’s grit, determination, and well-rounded skill set make her a formidable champion.
But if there’s anyone equipped to handle Peña’s pressure, it’s Harrison. Her judo throws and control on the ground could neutralize Peña’s aggressive style. I’ve watched Harrison’s takedowns in training footage, and they’re nothing short of spectacular – the kind that make you wince for her opponents.
Tale of the Tape: Harrison vs. Peña
| Fighter | Age | Record | Fighting Style | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayla Harrison | 33 | 18-1 (2-0 UFC) | Judo, Grappling | 2x Olympic Gold Medalist |
| Julianna Peña | 34 | 13-5 | Boxing, Wrestling | UFC Bantamweight Champion |
Beyond the Belt: Harrison’s Mainstream Potential
What really has me excited isn’t just Harrison’s in-cage abilities – it’s her potential to transcend the sport. With her articulate interviews, compelling backstory, and Olympic pedigree, she has all the ingredients to become a mainstream star.
“The UFC is always looking for athletes who can connect with audiences beyond hardcore fight fans,” explains Anik. “Kayla has that ability to pull in casual viewers and make them permanent fans of the sport.”
We’ve seen how fighters like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor transformed MMA into must-see TV. Harrison could very well be the next fighter to achieve that level of mainstream recognition – especially if she can capture UFC gold in dramatic fashion at UFC 316.
What Makes a Face of Women’s MMA?
To truly become the torchbearer for women’s MMA, Harrison will need more than just wins. She’ll need memorable finishes, compelling rivalries, and the ability to draw viewers to her fights. So far, she’s checking all those boxes.
Her dominant UFC debut against Holly Holm and her follow-up performance against Ketlen Vieira showed not just her skill, but her ability to adapt her game plan. That versatility will be crucial if she hopes to have a long championship reign.
What’s Next for Harrison After UFC 316?
Win or lose against Peña, Harrison’s future looks bright. A victory would immediately establish her as the woman to beat in the bantamweight division and potentially set up a superfight with Amanda Nunes (if Nunes decides to return from retirement).
Even in defeat, Harrison would remain a top contender with the kind of name recognition that guarantees main event slots. But something tells me she’s not thinking about losing – champions rarely do.
As UFC 316 approaches, all eyes will be on this potential changing of the guard. Will Kayla Harrison fulfill Jon Anik’s prediction and become the new face of women’s MMA? I, for one, can’t wait to find out.
Ready for a Historic Night in Women’s MMA?
Mark your calendars for UFC 316 – we might just be witnessing the birth of the next great era in women’s mixed martial arts. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or new to the sport, this is one fight you won’t want to miss.
What do you think? Could Kayla Harrison really be the next face of women’s MMA? Drop your predictions in the comments below!
Source: Gannett CDN