Kayla Harrison put in a dominant performance as she submitted Julianna Pena to win the bantamweight title at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey.
Harrison out-grappled fellow American Pena and controlled the action throughout before finishing the fight with a kimura at the end of the second round.
Victory adds a first UFC championship to her two Olympic judo gold medals and PFL world titles.
In her post-fight interview, Harrison said she almost quit on Thursday after struggling during her weight cut.
The 34-year-old's two PFL titles, in 2021 and 2022, were won at 155lb (11st 1lb) but she has fought at 135lb (9st 9lb) since joining the UFC last year.
"This is for anyone who's ever felt hopeless, who's wanted to quit, who's wanted to give up. On Thursday I wanted to quit, I wanted to give up," said Harrison.
"I'm referring to 135lb - only God can get that last pound off me, I'm not strong enough. You have to go to a bad place and the only way through is to have surrender and have faith."
After the bout Harrison faced-off with former double champion Amanda Nunes, who confirmed she would be coming out of retirement to challenge for the belt.
Harrison out-grappled fellow American Pena and controlled the action throughout before finishing the fight with a kimura at the end of the second round.
Victory adds a first UFC championship to her two Olympic judo gold medals and PFL world titles.
In her post-fight interview, Harrison said she almost quit on Thursday after struggling during her weight cut.
The 34-year-old's two PFL titles, in 2021 and 2022, were won at 155lb (11st 1lb) but she has fought at 135lb (9st 9lb) since joining the UFC last year.
"This is for anyone who's ever felt hopeless, who's wanted to quit, who's wanted to give up. On Thursday I wanted to quit, I wanted to give up," said Harrison.
"I'm referring to 135lb - only God can get that last pound off me, I'm not strong enough. You have to go to a bad place and the only way through is to have surrender and have faith."
After the bout Harrison faced-off with former double champion Amanda Nunes, who confirmed she would be coming out of retirement to challenge for the belt.
