Stop running: Ketlen Viera calls out Kayla Harrison

29 April 2024

Following Kayla Harrison's impressive debut at UFC 300, where she dominated and submitted Holly Holm, attention has turned to who will challenge the rising star next. While Harrison's ascent to a championship opportunity seems imminent given her performance, bantamweight contender Ketlen Vieira believes she deserves the next shot at Harrison.

In an interview with MMA Mania, Vieira expressed her frustration with the UFC's decision-making process. "She might be the shiny new toy, but just like any toy, she needs to be played with and tested," Vieira stated, referring to Harrison. Vieira also criticized another contender, Julianna Pena, questioning her readiness for a title shot after a two-year hiatus from fighting.

Vieira claimed that she was offered a fight against Harrison for June 29th but was ultimately denied the opportunity. "I was offered the [Harrison] fight for June 29th. I said yes, and then they still didn't give it to me. I'm not happy at all," Vieira revealed.

Expressing her frustration with Harrison's reluctance to accept the fight, Vieira emphasized that Harrison should not underestimate the competition in the UFC. "It seems that Kayla is just not taking the fight," Vieira explained. "If the UFC offered the fight, the UFC wants the fight. It's just Kayla not taking it. In the UFC, there's only great athletes and if she thinks she's going to say no to this fight and take an easier fight, there's no easy fights. We're all very good athletes. She has to stop running and take the fight and sign the contract."

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Vieira's comments highlight the growing anticipation for a potential clash between her and Harrison, adding intrigue to the competitive landscape of the women's bantamweight division. As negotiations continue, fans eagerly await the UFC's next move in determining Harrison's next opponent.