"Just strip her" - Fans react as Kayla Harrison's manager says Julianna Pena's "health problems" could lead to interim belt

Kayla Harrison's manager Ali Abdelaziz recently revealed that Julianna Pena's alleged injury could sideline their potential title fight and pave the way for an interim belt.

Several UFC fans viewed Harrison as a championship-caliber fighter before her first in-octagon encounter. This was largely due to Harrison's record of being a PFL champion before moving to the UFC. The 34-year-old didn't disappoint her believers as she has ramped up victories in both her fights to date.

The UFC authorities are reportedly planning to pit Harrison against the undisputed women's bantamweight champ, Pena, next. But in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Abdelaziz revealed that Harrison may have to fight for the interim title instead. He said:

"Julianna Pena, if she's not ready to fight Kayla [Harrison], [because] she might have some health problems, [then] it's going to be an interim title. 100 percent this is what's going to happen."

However, the audience was not a big fan of the reveal. They stormed the comment section of the MMA Junkie post on Instagram and expressed their discontentment about the situation.

One fan said:

"Just strip her. She shouldn't have won and she has had 1 fight in 2 years and it was split."

Another said:

"[Kayla] Harrison vs. [Norma] Dumont for the undisputed. Julianna [Pena] vacates."

Check out more comments below:

Fan comments under MMA Junkie's post on Pena vs. Harrison [Image courtesy: @mmajunkie]

Harrison doesn't have a rival scheduled for this potential interim bantamweight title fight.

Following Abdelaziz's revelation, the current No. 4-ranked women's UFC bantamweight, Norma Dumont, called for the opportunity to fight for the interim belt:

Norma Dumont's comment addressing Kayla Harrison and Ali Abdelaziz. [Screenshot Courtesy: @mmajunkie on Instagram]

---

Ali Abdelaziz predicted one of Kayla Harrison's New Year's goals would come to life

The UFC brass recently questioned several fighters about their New Year's resolution through a DM. Later, they also revealed what the fighters responded in an Instagram post. It showcased that Harrison had quite a few "goals" instead of resolutions.

Her words also revealed that becoming the undisputed UFC bantamweight champ was at the top of that list. Harrison penned:

"Well, I prefer goals, not resolutions. So aside from being the undisputed UFC bantamweight champion of the world, I'd say my personal goal is to be present in the moment, enjoy the journey, maintain a healthy balance, and be the best possible version of myself. Constantly growing and leveling up!"

Check out Kayla Harrison's reply in the fourth snap of the Instagram post below:

Her manager, Ali Abdelaziz, also showcased that he believes in Harrison's self-esteem. A recent X update from Abdelaziz had him predicting that Harrison's most important New Year goal of becoming the undisputed UFC bantamweight champ would come to life. Abdelaziz penned:

"2025 @KaylaH will be @ufc CHAMPION"