Julianna Peña Slams Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes on The Ariel Helwani Show
Julianna Peña reconciles with Ariel Helwani on his show, accusing Kayla Harrison of steroid use while claiming Amanda Nunes is dodging a trilogy fight. She also discusses her underdog status and Harrison's weight cut struggles ahead of UFC 316.
Reconciling with Ariel Helwani
In a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña addressed and resolved past tensions with the host. Starting at the 0:00 mark, Peña and Helwani openly discussed their previous misunderstandings, putting any lingering issues to rest. This candid moment set a positive tone for the rest of the interview, allowing for a focus on Peña's upcoming challenges and opinions on key figures in the UFC.
Underdog Status Against Kayla Harrison
At around the 9:20 timestamp, Peña spoke about being considered a significant underdog in her upcoming fight against Kayla Harrison at UFC 316. She expressed confidence in her abilities despite the odds, emphasizing her readiness to prove doubters wrong. Peña highlighted her preparation and determination to retain her title, shedding light on the intense rivalry that has developed between the two fighters.
Concerns Over Harrison's Weight Cut and Fight Choices
Peña didn't hold back when discussing Harrison's career decisions, noting at the 13:40 mark that Harrison avoided a potential fight with Cris Cyborg. She suggested this decision reflected a strategic choice to dodge tougher opponents. Additionally, around the 17:15 point, Peña commented on Harrison's struggles with weight cutting, implying that it could be a significant factor in their upcoming bout. These observations added fuel to the already heated anticipation for their clash.
Accusations of Steroid Use Against Harrison
One of the most striking moments came at the 22:50 mark when Peña accused Kayla Harrison of using steroids. She voiced strong suspicions about Harrison's physical condition and performance, raising questions about fairness in the sport. This bold claim intensified the personal stakes of their matchup, drawing significant attention to the integrity of competition within the UFC women's bantamweight division.
Amanda Nunes and the Trilogy Fight
Peña also addressed her history with Amanda Nunes, suggesting at the 17:15 segment that Nunes might be avoiding a trilogy fight. She speculated that Nunes, a former champion, could be hesitant to face her again after their past encounters. Peña's comments pointed to unresolved tension and her eagerness to settle the score in the octagon, adding another layer of intrigue to her current championship reign.
