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**Summary:**

UFC commentator Jon Anik believes that Kayla Harrison has the potential to become the next major face of women’s MMA, potentially reaching levels of popularity similar to Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes. Anik highlights Harrison’s impressive credentials, including two Olympic gold medals and her recent entry into the UFC. He emphasizes the potential for her to gain traction, particularly in the United States, due to her American identity and compelling personal story. Anik feels that a UFC bantamweight title win at UFC 316 against Julianna Pena would significantly elevate Harrison’s profile.

**News Article:**

**Anik: Kayla Harrison Could Become Face of Women’s MMA with UFC Gold**

**Newark, NJ** – As Kayla Harrison prepares to face Julianna Pena for the bantamweight title at UFC 316, UFC commentator Jon Anik believes the former Olympic gold medalist could be on the cusp of superstardom.

Anik, speaking on MMA Junkie Radio, suggested Harrison has the potential to fill the void left by former champions like Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes as the leading figure in women’s mixed martial arts. “Kayla Harrison has the potential to be a face – if not the face – of women’s mixed martial arts if she has the undisputed UFC bantamweight championship around her shoulder,” Anik stated.

He emphasized Harrison’s unique appeal, citing her status as a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo representing the United States. “This isn’t an American talking about how big and powerful the U.S. is, but relative, longterm, overall to mixed martial arts success, there’s been a lot of it in the United States, and there aren’t a lot of American champions right now.”

Anik believes Harrison’s story, including her journey with adopted children, is particularly compelling and would resonate with a wide audience, especially in the United States. He sees a UFC title win as a catalyst for widespread recognition and success.

Harrison, a former two-time PFL champion, will look to add the UFC bantamweight title to her already impressive resume when she steps into the octagon against Julianna Pena in Saturday’s co-main event at UFC 316. A victory could very well launch her into a new stratosphere of fame and recognition.

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