Kayla Harrison is willing to replace either Raquel Pennington or Julianna Pena in their UFC 307 title fight if needed.
The promotion recently announced Pennington’s title defense against Pena as the co-main event at UFC 307 on Oct. 5 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Meanwhile, Harrison fights Ketlen Vieira on the same card, with the winner expected to get the next bantamweight title shot.
Harrison doesn’t necessarily agree with the matchups and considers herself deserving of a title shot already. However, she plans to put on a performance that will set her levels apart from not only her opponent, but also from the other two bantamweights fighting for the title.
“I don’t necessarily agree with the decision, but if they want me to smash another skull, I’ll smash another skull,” Harrison told MMAjunkie.com. “I think Ketlen’s good. I’m just at a different level. I’m at a different level from all of them. I’m gonna go out on Oct. 5 and prove that I’m at a different level and I’m gonna make Ketlen and those other two girls who are fighting, look ridiculous. And then everyone’s gonna know that it’s time for Kayla to get her belt.”
While Harrison had rallied for a gold bid, Pena was seemingly promised one already. However, Harrison wants to be the backup for the UFC 307 co-main in case anyone pulls out.
“I talked to a couple of people. I wanted to fight for the belt, but the next shot was promised to Julianna so she gets her wish for now,” Harrison said. “Unless one of them gets hurt or sick or something and then Mommy’s coming home… Absolutely [willing to be a backup], two hours’ notice, one hour notice, 20 minutes’ notice.”
A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Harrison slightly favors Pena against Pennington, although she considers it a pick em’ for the most part. However, Harrison would also prefer the opportunity to quiet “The Venezuelan Vixen.”
“Honestly, my heart tends to lean towards the grapplers,” Harrison said. “So I think probably Julianna but it’s anybody’s fight. Raquel’s tough, she’s seasoned, she’s decent everywhere. I really don’t care, I’d smash them both in one night… I kind of wanna shut Julianna though, I’d enjoy it. I’d have more pleasure out of that.”
