Two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison has fiercely responded to accusations made by former UFC bantamweight champion Juliana Pena regarding the use of PEDs.
During a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Pena claimed that Harrison has a “checkered past” when it comes to using banned substances to gain an advantage in the cage. Pena stated, “Great, strong [on the scale at UFC 300]. Stay off the needle, bro. Maybe not now, but definitely in the past, absolutely, there’s no question.”
Pena went on to allege that Harrison was the only star who did not attend the anti-doping session during a media event, suggesting that she was trying to avoid the testing process. “How convenient that she wasn’t…I just already have the mindset that people are cheating, that everyone’s cheating. Especially from [American Top Team], 100 percent,” Pena said.
However, Harrison has firmly refuted these allegations, stating that she has been tested by the USADA since the age of 12. In a recent tweet, Harrison responded to Pena’s claims, saying, “I have been tested by USADA since I was 12 years old. You will find every excuse in the world not to fight me. And the only shot in the ass people need around u is anti-nausea medication.”
As of now, there is no direct evidence of PED use from Harrison, and she has maintained a clean record throughout her Judo and MMA careers. The accusations made by Pena appear to be unfounded and simply an attempt to discredit her potential rival in the UFC women’s bantamweight division.
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That being said there were certain comments from Joe Rogan and the like comparing Harrison to Vitor Belfort who was famously juiced to the gills.
Harrison, who recently made her UFC debut by defeating Holly Holm at UFC 300 in April, is widely regarded as one of the top contenders for the women’s bantamweight title. Pena, on the other hand, is rumored to be facing current champion Raquel Pennington later this year, after losing the title to Amanda Nunes at UFC 277.
The feud between Harrison and Pena has added an extra layer of intrigue to the women’s bantamweight landscape, and fans will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipating a potential showdown between the two talented fighters in the near future.\
