Kayla Harrison puts her UFC women’s bantamweight championship on the line against former two-division champion Amanda Nunes in the co-main event of UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The women’s bantamweight championship takes centre stage in the co-main event of UFC 334 as reigning champion Kayla Harrison defends her title against former two-division champion Amanda Nunes. The highly anticipated showdown takes place on Saturday, November 14, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, bringing together two of the most accomplished names in women’s mixed martial arts.
Harrison enters the contest with a 19-1 professional record and four consecutive victories. The two-time Olympic gold medallist boasts an impressive UFC run, with her latest triumph coming against Julianna Peña at UFC 316, where she secures the bantamweight championship with a second-round kimura submission.
Standing across from her is Amanda Nunes who holds a 23-5 record and brings an extraordinary championship résumé into the contest. The Brazilian’s most recent victory comes against Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023, where she retains her bantamweight title via unanimous decision before stepping away from competition.
Nunes opens the contest confidently, using her footwork and striking to keep Harrison at a distance. The former champion connects with a hard right hand that forces Harrison to retreat, followed by a strong leg kick and another right hand. Harrison attempts to change levels for a takedown but runs into another counter right from Nunes. Harrison looks to close the distance and establish a clinch, but Nunes initially does well to escape and continue pressing forward.
Harrison eventually gets the body lock she needs and brings the fight into her preferred territory. She secures a takedown and follows it with a judo throw, leaving Nunes on the canvas with one arm trapped. From the top position, Harrison begins landing punches while maintaining control. Nunes attempts to use her legs to create an opportunity to escape, but Harrison stays heavy and continues working until the horn.
Nunes surprisingly looks to engage in wrestling exchanges at the beginning of the second round, attempting to take Harrison down near the fence. She manages to drag the champion to the canvas, but Harrison quickly returns to her feet. The two continue battling for position along the fence before Harrison finds an opportunity to execute another judo throw.
Harrison moves into side control and begins working her ground-and-pound. She traps Nunes in a crucifix position, limiting her ability to defend effectively while landing punches and elbows. Nunes struggles to create enough space to escape as Harrison maintains control for much of the round. Harrison’s grappling becomes the defining factor, giving her a clear advantage over the former champion.
Nunes comes forward with straight punches at the start of the third round, looking to re-establish her striking advantage. Harrison attempts to close the distance, but Nunes initially defends well. The former champion then reverses a takedown attempt and gets Harrison down against the fence. Nunes advances to mount and later threatens to take Harrison’s back, creating one of her strongest moments in the contest. Harrison works her way out of the position and manages to turn the fight around.
Harrison eventually gets on top and begins landing elbows and punches. One of the elbows opens a cut above Nunes’ right eye, adding to the damage she is taking on the ground. Nunes attempts to create separation, but Harrison continues to find openings for her ground strikes. Harrison finishes the round strongly, putting herself in a favourable position heading into the fourth round.
Nunes comes out looking to establish her striking again, but Harrison quickly closes the distance and brings the fight into a clinch. Nunes manages to separate and lands a hard left hand, but Harrison catches an opportunity when she grabs one of her legs and takes her down. Harrison immediately recognises the opening and moves around to Nunes’ back. Harrison secures her position, gets her arm underneath Nunes’ chin and locks in a tight rear-naked choke. Nunes attempts to defend, but the pressure becomes too much. She taps, forcing the referee to step in and stop the contest. Harrison secures the submission at 1:29 of Round 4, successfully defending her UFC women’s bantamweight championship.
“I think I’m still in shock,” Harrison said about her victory. “It feels surreal. Sometimes I can’t believe my life. I’m just really grateful. I’m humble. It’s an honor and a privilege to stand before you. I mean I’ve got a lot of decisions to make when I get home. I just want to say again thank you New York City, thank you to the UFC for allowing me to make my dreams come true.”
Harrison retains her women’s bantamweight championship with an impressive submission victory over one of the sport’s most accomplished fighters. After facing early trouble from Nunes’ striking, the champion’s wrestling, positional control and ground-and-pound gradually take over the contest before she finds the decisive submission in the fourth round.
Check out UFC 334 results below.
UFC 334 Main Card
Ciryl Gane def. Josh Hokit via unanimous decision (48-47 x3)
Kayla Harrison def. Amanda Nunes via submission (RNC) (R4, 1:29)
Caio Borralho def. Yousri Belgaroui via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Kevin Holland vs. Uros Medic ruled majority draw (28-28, 29-27 Medic, 28-28)
Luis Gurule def. Bilal Hasan via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
UFC 334 Preliminary Card
Stephen Thompson def. Charles Radtke via second-round TKO (2:54)
Chris Duncan def. Drew Dober via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Terrance McKinney def. Jim Miller via first-round KO (1:53)
Cesar Almeida def. Donte Johnson via first-round TKO (3:20)
Melquizael Costa def. Jared Gordon via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Bia Mesquita def. Macy Chiasson via submission (RNC) (R1, 3:23)
Juan Diaz def. Alatengheili via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Evan Elder def. Samuel Sanches via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)
