Jon Anik believes Julianna Pena‘s fight against Kayla Harrison at UFC 316 is closer than the odds suggest, highlighting Pena’s toughness and promotional style, while speculating that Amanda Nunes might return to fight Harrison, but not Pena, due to legacy and monetary considerations.
Jon Anik isn’t convinced Julianna Pena will walk away with the UFC women’s bantamweight title at UFC 316, but he thinks the fight is tighter than the odds suggest. It’s a sentiment not shared by many in the MMA community.
Anik, calling the action with Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier, knows never to count Pena out. Remember when “The Venezuelan Vixen” shocked the world by winning the title nearly four years ago?
“I recently watched Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Pena 1 at UFC 269, and that’s all I need,” Anik told MMA Fighting. Rick Little, Pena’s coach, often praises her grit. Toughness, cardio, self-belief—she’s got it all.
Facing a two-time Olympic champ like Kayla Harrison isn’t easy. Anik wonders if Harrison can consistently make weight to defend the belt, a challenge few fighters face.
“There’s no UFC women’s featherweight division right now,” Anik says. But he’s encouraged by Pena’s experience and her never-give-up attitude.
Pena became a two-time champ with a decision over Raquel Pennington at UFC 307. Harrison also shined, defeating Ketlen Vieira.
Pena’s been trash-talking Harrison, even accusing her of steroid use. Harrison responded in an interview with MMA Fighting.
Though some find Pena’s style cringy, Anik sees a strategy. “I don’t know if she can shoot a basketball, but she’s athletic in there,” he says. Her accuracy against Nunes? Impressive.
Harrison’s a 6-to-1 favorite, but Pena’s been underestimated before. Anik admires her confidence and fight promotion style, even if it’s abrasive.
A subplot here is Amanda Nunes’ potential return. She retired after beating Irene Aldana at UFC 289, but teased a comeback. A fight with Harrison? Fans have dreamed of it.
Anik believes Nunes might return depending on Saturday’s outcome. “I don’t see any upside for Nunes fighting Pena again, except money,” he explains.
Legacy matters too. As Zhang Weili and Valentina Shevchenko rise, Nunes’ status as the greatest is challenged. Is it enough to lure her back? Anik’s not sure.
In Anik’s view, Nunes’ legacy has been tested by Shevchenko and Weili over the past year. The question remains: will she return for glory or cash?