UFC 307 this Saturday in Salt Lake City brings huge implications for the women’s bantamweight division.
With the title set to be defended in the co-main event of the evening, there’s a huge match-up earlier on in the night that could decide the next title challenger.
Former PFL star Kayla Harrison made a big impact on her Octagon debut at UFC 300, where she dominated Holly Holm before finding the finish.
A lot of the narrative heading into her next fight has been about the former Olympic gold medallist getting the next shot, but to do that, she must get past Ketlen Vieira.
Henry Cejudo Says Ketlen Vieira Can Be A Big Test For Kayla Harrison On The Feet
It cannot be overlooked how big of an opportunity this fight also is for Brazil’s Vieira.
As the #2-ranked contender in the division, a win will also guarantee her a title shot thanks to the wins she has been able to accumulate in recent years.
Vieira did lost a split decision to the current champion Raquel Pennington but beating Harrison will be a massive statement for her.
On a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, former UFC champ-champ Henry Cejudo outlined where he believes that Vieira could win this fight despite the confidence that surrounds Harrison right now.
“It’s hard to bet against a girl like Kayla Harrison but I think out of all the girls right now at 135-pounds that could match her strength, because you know Vieira’s a Judo blackbelt as well and she’s got, in my opinion, she has better hands than Harrison. So it’s going to come down to the wrestling and I do feel like Kayla Harrison is going to bring the wrestling in and that’s just what’s going to change it. But, if Vieira can keep it on her feet, I think Kayla could be in trouble dude. Her striking is no joke man.”
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