What did Kayla Harrison say about Julianna Peña's trash talk?

Kayla Harrison criticized Julianna Peña's trash talk as 'trashy,' saying this was the most trash talk she had ever faced. Harrison emphasized that she is focused on fighting rather than engaging in verbal disputes.

What are the performance-enhancing drug allegations against Kayla Harrison?

Julianna Peña has accused Kayla Harrison of using performance-enhancing drugs and steroids during her Olympic career and her tenure in the Professional Fighters League. Harrison has rejected these allegations and dismissed Peña's comments as unprofessional.

What has Kayla Harrison's UFC record been like so far?

Kayla Harrison remains unbeaten in her UFC career, having won two fights since her debut at UFC 300, where she submitted Holly Holm and later defeated Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision.

What is at stake in the upcoming fight between Harrison and Peña at UFC 316?

The upcoming fight between Kayla Harrison and Julianna Peña at UFC 316 is significant, as the winner is expected to face Amanda Nunes, the returning two-weight champion, later this year.

How does Kayla Harrison view Julianna Peña and her trash talk?

Kayla Harrison perceives Julianna Peña's trash talk as a strategy to divert attention from her fighting skills, stating that Peña excels more in trash talk than in fighting, which Harrison believes is just part of the sport.

Harrison Slams Peña’s “Trashy” PED Accusations Ahead of UFC 316 Title Clash

The UFC 316 bantamweight title fight between Kayla Harrison (17-0) and Julianna Peña (14-5) has turned personal, with Harrison condemning Peña’s “trashy” accusations of performance-enhancing drug use. The July 15 showdown at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena could determine who faces returning legend Amanda Nunes later this year.

Harrison’s Undefeated UFC Run

Since joining the UFC in 2024, two-time Olympic judo gold medalist Harrison has:

Submitted Holly Holm at UFC 300 (Round 2 armbar)
Outclassed Ketlen Vieira via unanimous decision
Maintained a 100% takedown defense in UFC bouts

“I let my skills do the talking,” Harrison stated. “Some fighters need drama to stay relevant.”

Peña’s Controversial Title Reign

The reigning champion Peña reclaimed her belt via a split decision win over Raquel Pennington at UFC 307—a result many contested. Known for her brash persona, Peña has escalated tensions by:

Alleging Harrison used PEDs during her Olympic career
Mocking Harrison’s “boring” grappling-heavy style
Claiming “steroids built that judo body” in media interviews

The PED Accusations: Fact or Mind Games?

Peña’s Claims	Harrison’s Response
“Her PFL and Olympic success were chemically enhanced“	“Baseless trash talk from a desperate champion”
“USADA didn’t test judo in 2012/2016”	Points to 15 clean UFC/PFL drug tests

Stakes at UFC 316

Title implications: Winner expected to face Amanda Nunes in December
Legacy defining: Harrison could become first Olympic judo gold medalist to win UFC gold
Style clash: Peña’s volume striking vs. Harrison’s elite grappling (88% takedown accuracy)

“This is the most toxic women’s MMA rivalry since Rousey vs. Tate,” says MMA analyst Ariel Helwani. “Peña’s playing the heel perfectly, but Harrison’s composure might be her greatest weapon.”

Event Details

Date: July 15, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Broadcast: ESPN+ PPV ($79.99)
Odds: Harrison -450 favorite | Peña +340 underdog

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Has Kayla Harrison ever failed a drug test?
A: No. Harrison has passed all 15 UFC/PFL drug tests since transitioning to MMA in 2018.

Q: Why does Peña focus on Harrison’s judo career?
A: Judo had no anti-doping program during Harrison’s 2012/2016 Olympic runs—a loophole Peña exploits for psychological warfare.