NEWARK, NJ (AP) – Kayla Harrison has just added UFC Gold to her impressive Championship fight collection and shared a moment with President Donald Trump. Even behind the scenes, she proudly held onto her title belt while celebrating with Merab Dvalishvili.
Dvalishvili was riding high after successfully defending his 135-pound championship during a dominant display in the main event of UFC 316.
Two bantamweight champions. One grand celebration.
“Congratulations, Champion! Let's raise our hands,” Dvalishvili exclaimed to Harrison. “We are champions!”
Dvalishvili then offered Harrison a simple tip on how to pose with the belt, a change for someone used to sporting Olympic gold.
Harrison is enjoying her moment and speculating about the next potential challenge from Amanda Nunes, who returned from retirement hoping to reclaim her title.
Dvalishvili submitted Sean O'Malley in the third round, leaving Julianna Pena, the reigning 135-pound champion, at the Prudential Center, where Harrison claimed the championship.
The 34-year-old Dvalishvili had previously secured a unanimous decision victory over O'Malley last year; although not flashy, he captured the title with a convincing demeanor. O'Malley came to realize his true potential following that loss, recognizing he had to make tough sacrifices.
The 30-year-old contender moved away from smoking marijuana and cut off his signature hair. His vibrant, colorful locks turned into brown braids for the bout.
New look, same outcome.
Dvalishvili, who had to navigate a small mishap during the walk, improved his record to 20-4, while angering the crowd of 17,343 as he celebrated his 13th consecutive MMA victory, one that tied him for the fourth longest streak in UFC history.
“I'm on top of the world!” he declared inside the cage.
The Bantamweight Championship event featured a thrilling matchup at 2 in the afternoon.
Harrison mentioned the challenges she faced slimming down to 135 pounds but is determined to solidify her legacy as one of the top female fighters in MMA.
She’s no stranger to significant victories.
Prior to her MMA career, US Judo had never claimed an Olympic gold until Harrison defeated England’s Gemma Gibbons in the women’s 78 kilogram division at the 2012 London Olympics. She captured another gold at the Rio de Janeiro Games four years later and made her MMA debut in 2018.
Harrison, 34, previously won a $1 million prize in the lightweight championship of the Professional Fighters League before transitioning to the UFC last year. Following two successful fights, her record now stands at 19-1, placing her in contention for the title.
It took her only three UFC bouts to become champion.
In an emotional celebration, Harrison shared the moment with Ivanka Trump, who captured the occasion with a photo. Harrison then called out Nunes—who retired in 2023 but hinted at a return to face the winner of the bout.
“I definitely want to fight Amanda. She's the best ever,” Harrison stated. “I want to be the best ever.”
Upon calling Nunes into the ring, Harrison approached her after announcer Joe Rogan prompted security to open the cage door. Nunes, who is set to enter the UFC Hall of Fame this summer, affirmed her intent to face Harrison for the 135-pound title.
The crowd erupted as both fighters exchanged a brief stare.
“We're going to elevate women's MMA to new heights,” Harrison proclaimed.
Fans cheered enthusiastically, similar to the standing ovation President Trump received just before the UFC pay-per-view event commenced. He arrived alongside UFC President Dana White, making their way to cageside as Kid Rock belted out “American Bad Donkey.”
As a nod to her judo roots, Harrison respected Trump with a bow before the match and embraced him post-victory, receiving a congratulatory kiss on the cheek and taking photos with him and his aides.
Trump’s recent presence at the UFC event was notable in other matches as well.
Fighter Kevin Holland choked Vicente Luque, marking his victorious debut in front of the President, even stopping to shake hands with Trump as he celebrated.
Joe Pyfer, after defeating Kelvin Gastelum in the middleweight bout by unanimous decision, wrapped himself in the American flag.
“We have the President of America! We have Mike Tyson,” Pyfer cheered inside the cage.
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