Tested 4 Times in 30 Days, Kayla Harrison Ends Julianna Pena’s Rally Against UFC’s Drug Testing

Kayla Harrison has heard it all at this point. But even she states that some of Julianna Peña‘s recent attacks are so outrageous, they’re hard not to laugh at. As the UFC 316 title fight approaches, Harrison is dealing with a flurry of ludicrous claims from the champion in addition to training for her shot at gold. From being called a weight bully to having her transformation questioned, Peña hasn’t held back. So, Harrison has finally decided to break her silence once and for all.

The fight at UFC 316 is one of the most anticipated women’s fights in recent memory. Harrison, a former PFL champion and judo legend, destroyed Holly Holm in her UFC debut and quickly advanced to title contention. ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ recently reclaimed her titles with a narrow win against Raquel Pennington and appears to be taking the rivalry personally.

She has stated that Harrison’s present physique could not have been developed organically, even insinuating that ‘Doug’ may have taken PEDs in the past and is “cycling off” before the June 7 fight. She even went so far as to say that Harrison used to look feminine during her Olympic days but now appears too “cut” to be natural.

‘Doug’ wasn’t surprised. She told MMA Fighting in a recent interview, “She’s always thrown spaghetti at the wall.” Kayla Harrison further debunked the claim of being a weight bully, as she added, “Before I signed with UFC, it was, ‘If she wants to be in a real promotion, she has to make a real weight.’ Then I sign with UFC, cut to 135, and suddenly I’m a weight bully. But that’s the only weight class they have. It’s not like I had a choice.”

As for the PEDs accusations, ‘Doug’ was unfazed by all the buzz. “The steroids thing is just—again, it’s funny to me. I’ve never taken steroids,” she said. Harrison explained. “I got drug tested for the first time when I was in middle school because I was in the top five on the national roster for judo.” She even went as far as claiming that she had been tested more than one can imagine. “And I’ve been tested probably more than any athlete in the UFC. One time, I got tested four times in a month.”

October 5, 2024, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: KETLEN VIEIRA and KAYLA HARRISON fight in a 3-round WomenÃââ s Bantamweight bout at UFC 307 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City USA – ZUMAs346 20241005_zsp_s346_127 Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx

As a result, ‘Doug’ believes Peña’s claims lack evidence and rely solely on projections. The noise does not divert her attention away from what is about to happen. If anything, it’s helping her focus. June 7 is more than just proving ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ wrong; it’s about showing her worth at the top and doing it cleanly, one test and win at a time.

In the end, Kayla Harrison demonstrates why she is one of the strongest fighters out there, not just because of her abilities, but also because she understands how to remain calm under pressure. However, that won’t stop Julianna Peña from putting her under the microscope. In fact, she even brought the UFC’s drug testing agency into question.

Julianna Peña brings the UFC into question for failing to expose Kayla Harrison

Julianna Peña’s obsession with exposing Kayla Harrison hasn’t stopped at her opponent—it’s expanded to the very institution overseeing their fight. After throwing everything at ‘Doug,’ the 35-year-old is now turning her attention to the UFC’s drug testing program itself. For those who already believe Harrison is gaming the system, the transition from USADA to Drug Free Sport International has just added fuel to the fire.

‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ feels the system is not just broken but also allows for a cover-up. She does not hold back. Peña compares the UFC’s current testing method to a joke, questioning the seriousness of catching cheaters. “I felt more comfortable actually with these Icarus bottles, peeing into those Icarus bottles than I do now,” she stated, evidently suspicious.

The message is clear: she doesn’t trust the new testing procedures, and she certainly doesn’t believe they can capture someone like Kayla Harrison if she’s actually doing something wrong. Julianna Peña remains skeptical of the system’s ability to prove Harrison’s PED use. Despite all the noise and conspiracy-laced claims, ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ knows the fight is happening. She isn’t counting on the UFC taking ‘Doug’ out.

But underlying it all, there is a sense of fragility. Peña believes a level playing field would boost her confidence while entering the Octagon. Despite her concerns and suspicions, she intends to persevere. “The longer this fight goes, the better it is for me,” she promises. But what do you think? Do you believe Peña’s claims or Kayla Harrison’s response? Let us know in the comments.

 

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