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Kayla Harrison made headlines inside and outside the Octagon following her dominant performance at UFC 316, not only for securing the bantamweight title with a clinical submission victory over Julianna Pena, but for keeping a rather bold personal promise — planting a kiss on UFC President Dana White’s bald head.
The former two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and PFL champion completed her long-anticipated UFC debut in stunning fashion, overcoming a brutal weight cut to make 135 pounds. Any doubts about her performance at bantamweight were shattered as Harrison put on a flawless display, tapping out the former champion and stamping her authority on a new chapter in her MMA legacy.
A champion’s moment — and a promise delivered
Moments after being crowned champion, Kayla Harrison celebrated in the most memorable way possible. As Dana White wrapped the UFC title around her waist, Harrison leaned in and planted a kiss on his bald head — just as she had boldly promised before the bout.
“After the fight, first I’m like ‘Dana’s wrapping the belt around my waist’,” Harrison shared at the post-fight press conference. “Then I’m like giving Dana a kiss on his bald head because I said I would, so I did.”
The playful gesture instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of UFC 316, highlighting Kayla Harrison’s charismatic personality and her commitment to making her dreams a reality — down to the smallest detail.
Kayla Harrison: ‘It’s all about daring to dream big’
Leading up to the fight, Harrison had opened up in an emotional interview about her journey and the vision she held onto throughout the grueling fight camp.
“This is what it’s all about, you know?” she told MMAFighting’s Mike Heck. “It’s all about daring to dream big. I know that I’ve put in the work, I know that I have the best team, I have the best game plan, I’m prepared, I’m ready, and that is going to be the fruit of my labor."
She added: “To feel those feelings, to feel the weight of the UFC belt go around my waist, to probably give Dana White a big old kiss on his bald head and just hug my family… yeah, I can’t wait for that moment.”
Harrison lived every part of that vision, soaking in the energy of the crowd and posing for photos after the fight with President Donald Trump and his family — a moment she described as an honor due to her strong patriotic values.
The start of a dominant reign?
With her dream debut behind her and the UFC bantamweight title now firmly in her possession, Kayla Kayla Harrison has officially arrived — not just as a contender, but as a potential long-reigning champion. Her performance, charisma, and unapologetic authenticity have quickly made her one of the most compelling figures in the sport today. And yes, Dana White might think twice before standing too close during her next post-fight celebration.
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