Megan Anderson doubts Kayla Harrison can maintain a long reign at bantamweight due to the physical toll of weight cuts, but she expects Harrison to win against Julianna Peña if they fight, despite acknowledging Peña’s resilience and potential to counter Harrison’s judo.
Ex-Invicta FC champion and UFC featherweight title contender Megan Anderson is skeptical about Kayla Harrison’s chances of replicating Amanda Nunes‘ long reign in the UFC. Not at bantamweight, anyway.
Since Nunes retired, the UFC has practically dismantled the 145-pound weight class. Harrison, a two-time PFL lightweight champion, has shifted to bantamweight. She had to secure victories over Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira to become the No. 1 contender for Julianna Peña. But Anderson questions how long Harrison can maintain that weight.
“The caveat for me with Kayla is—and I said this when it was announced that she was going to drop to 135—just because you can make the weight, doesn’t always mean you should,” Anderson told MMA Fighting. For women, these big weight cuts aren’t ideal hormonally. Even if she dominates Julianna or wins a close fight and becomes champion, I don’t see her fighting for too much longer. It’s about the toll on the body and quality of life.”
Anderson knows firsthand how grueling weight cuts can be. “I know for a fact that that weight cut is miserable for her. ‘Cause I know that 145 was miserable for me,” she shared. The last few pounds are the toughest. Harrison will need to start preparing months in advance due to the significant cut required.
Despite these challenges, Anderson acknowledges Harrison’s impressive performance so far. Ultimately, it comes down to who wants it more. Julianna Peña has shown resilience time and again, defending against submissions and turning tides in her favor.
The UFC hasn’t confirmed Harrison as Peña’s next opponent or set a date for the fight yet. However, Anderson finds the matchup intriguing. Peña faced Nunes twice between 2021 and 2022 and returned in October 2024 to reclaim the title from Raquel Pennington.
“What I love about it is how I feel so many people count out Julianna Peña,” Anderson noted. Despite not having standout striking skills, Peña is relentless and hard to put away. Her jiu-jitsu complements Kayla’s judo and grappling abilities well.
Anderson speculates that their skills might cancel each other out but believes Harrison could capitalize on takedowns. In her last fight, Ketlen Vieira managed to defend some of those attempts, suggesting a potential strategy for Peña.
If Nunes were to return, Anderson would pick her over Harrison “every day.” However, she doubts “The Lioness” will end her retirement to compete at 135 pounds again. For now, Anderson anticipates Harrison claiming UFC gold against Peña.
“I’m probably going to lean Kayla Harrison’s side just because I think she has slightly better striking,” Anderson admitted. Neither fighter excels on the feet yet; they’re still developing. But Kayla blends her striking into her judo more effectively, which could give her an edge in securing a victory through ground control and striking combinations.