Joe Osborne recommended Kayla Harrison at -150 in the double-chance market (TKO/KO or submission) despite her -600 money-line price. He noted that 13 of Harrison’s 18 career wins have ended inside the distance and that Julianna Pena’s takedown defense sits at a porous 23 percent. Osborne expects Harrison’s Olympic-level judo to get the fight to the mat quickly and either produce a ground-and-pound stoppage or a submission, insisting "there are levels to this" and Harrison is operating on one Pena has never seen.

Michael Bisping advised putting money on Kayla Harrison to tap out Julianna Pena midway through their UFC 316 co-main. He cited Harrison’s 18-1 MMA record, two Olympic judo golds, and world-class hip-tosses that should dump Pena to the mat repeatedly. While the extra pound of the 135-lb title cut could sap Harrison late, Bisping still expects top control and ground-and-pound elbows to force Pena—who survived multiple knockdowns versus Amanda Nunes—to give up her back. From there, Harrison's rear-naked choke closes the show in round three. He framed Harrison by submission or inside-the-distance as the value angles for bettors.

Bedtime MMA forecasted a classic Julianna Pena grind-fest upset over Kayla Harrison, calling it "female Bo Nickal vs Reinier de Ridder." He expects Harrison to dominate Round 1 with a single takedown and some half-guard control, but doubts she can finish the ultra-durable Pena. The key angles: Harrison has never made 135 lbs for five rounds, her boxing is limited to sporadic body kicks and a looping left, and Ketlen Vieira already showed her takedowns can be stuffed. Once Harrison’s gas tank fades, Pena’s relentless jab-overhand combos, dirty-boxing knees and willingness to brawl should flip momentum. The tout believes Pena will out-land and out-damage Harrison in Rounds 2-5, defending double-legs, walking her down, and winning on significant-strike count and optics. Only path for Harrison is an early sub/TKO; otherwise Bedtime MMA sees Pena cockroaching to a decision at plus money.

Gumby declared Kayla Harrison a lay-the-chalk smash at –649, insisting Juliana Pena has “zero winning conditions.” Harrison’s Olympic-level judo and PFL résumé (18-1, never finished) make Pena’s usual grappling path a dead end. On the feet, Gumby actually grades Harrison as the cleaner striker, noting Pena’s infamous overeager, off-balance punching that nearly cost her against Amanda Nunes and Raquel Pennington. With the bout now at 135, Harrison is still the bigger, stronger athlete and should rag-doll the Venezuelan Vixen whenever she wants. Gumby warned Pena’s only hope is a weight-miss disqualification, predicting Harrison by mauling TKO or a smothering 50-44 decision and advising bettors to anchor parlays with the challenger or hunt alt-spread props (Harrison ‑5.5 points).

Kunath predicted Kayla Harrison will take Juliana Pena’s bantamweight belt by submission at UFC 316. He cited Harrison’s demonstrated physical dominance over strong opponents like Ketlen Vieira (allowing only one significant strike in 15 minutes) and Holly Holm, arguing that Pena—while scrappy with superior cardio—will be bullied in the clinch and on the mat. Kunath sees Pena’s lone path as dragging the fight into chaotic Rounds 4-5 after a blistering pace, but expects Harrison’s judo trips and top control to produce either a tight guillotine or armbar long before that. Betting takeaway: back Harrison straight or via submission prop; Pena late-fight cardio narrative is a long-shot upset scenario.