UFC 316 might introduce a new contender alongside Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili at the pinnacle of the pound-for-pound rankings.
Following her successful flyweight title defense against Manon Fiorot, Valentina `Bullet` Shevchenko has solidified her position as the number one pound-for-pound female fighter.
Her potential next opponent, strawweight champion Zhang Weili, is close behind in the rankings. Zhang, who has successfully defended her title three times in her second reign, has challenged Shevchenko, aiming for a second divisional title.
However, despite this matchup being considered a potential superfight between two of the top active female MMA fighters, a respected coach has voiced a different opinion.
Coach Mike Brown Supports Kayla Harrison`s Claim as the Best Female Fighter
In a conversation with MMA Fighting, American Top Team coach Mike Brown discussed upcoming fights involving his athletes.
The next notable fight for an ATT fighter is Kayla Harrison`s debut UFC title opportunity. Harrison is set to face Julianna Pena at UFC 316 and is expected to be a considerable favorite.
Brown doesn`t appear surprised by the odds, as he firmly believes Harrison is the top female fighter globally.
“I`m happy it`s finally happening. We always knew this day would arrive,” Brown commented on Harrison`s title chance. “It`s especially great because she began her career with us. She started training at ATT before she had any professional fights.”
“Certainly, she had an impressive background in judo. However, regarding MMA, she has trained with us since the beginning. She is the world`s best, and now is the time to demonstrate that to everyone.”
“She will do everything necessary to prove she is the best to the world,” Brown stated. “In my opinion, she is the premier female fighter on the globe.”
Kayla Harrison Aims to Prove Her Elite Status Against the Recognized Women`s GOAT
Beyond simply becoming a UFC champion and solidifying her place as the top active fighter, Harrison desires to test her skills against a legendary figure in the sport.
Discussions about a fight between Harrison and Amanda Nunes have circulated since their time as teammates at ATT.
When ‘The Lioness’ departed ATT later in her career, reportedly due to Harrison`s presence, it seemed to pave the way for a future showdown.
Harrison, for her part, remains highly enthusiastic about facing the Brazilian icon.
“I need to defeat Julianna first, but that specific fight was always my goal,” Harrison stated.
“I never intended it to be disrespectful or imply I`m superior. I simply believe she is the greatest of all time. To me, that`s a distinct status she has earned, and I didn`t enter this sport aiming to be second best.”
“I hope we can meet in the cage with mutual respect and dignity, and may the better fighter prevail.”
Nunes` brief retirement temporarily halted discussions of a fight with Harrison, but it didn`t take long for the former double champion to reverse her decision about her career.
Although not yet confirmed, `The Lioness` is anticipated to face the victor of the UFC 316 co-main event on Saturday, which features her former two-time opponent and her ex-teammate.
