‘I’m sorry’…. Julianna Pena issues statement following submission loss to Kayla Harrison at UFC 316 – Bloody Elbow
Source: Bloody Elbow
Julianna Pena has broken her silence after falling short in the UFC 316 co-main event.
Kayla Harrison picked up a second-round submission win and the bantamweight belt on Saturday night.
Amanda Nunes entered the cage post-fight to help promote a future title clash with her old teammate.
Julianna Pena hopes to be fit and ready to take on the winner of Amanda Nunes vs Kayla Harrison.
On Sunday, Pena shared an Instagram post reflecting on losing her 135lb title at UFC 316.
‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ also looked ahead to a potential rematch with Harrison as she claimed ‘dibs on the winner’ of her upcoming fight with Nunes.
“Thank you to the fans who lifted me with your love and encouragement during this #fightcamp,” Pena wrote.
“I love you all and feel so grateful for all the support and energy you guys give me—It truly means the world!
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get the job done. I’m super disappointed but hats off to Kayla on her win!
“Time to get healed up and get ready for her next fight because I’m calling dibs on the winner!”
It seems highly unlikely that Pena’s next fight will be for the UFC bantamweight title.
Such a quick and dominant loss makes a rematch with Harrison very difficult to sell.
However, if Pena can beat a top contender, she will become a viable option once again.
Raquel Pennington, Ketlen Vieira, Norma Dumont, and Macy Chiasson are the highest-ranked fighters at 135lbs.
A win over any of them should propel Pena back into the title mix and give her the chance to become a three-time UFC champion.
Read more: Click here