Kayla Harrison’s victory at UFC 316 on Saturday not only earned her a UFC championship belt—it also set the stage for one of the biggest matchups in the history of women’s MMA.

Harrison (19-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) submitted Julianna Peña in the co-main event, claiming the UFC bantamweight title and adding it to an already remarkable résumé that includes two Olympic gold medals and two PFL world championships.

The win positions her for a blockbuster showdown with former two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes (11-6 MMA, 8-4 UFC), who earlier this year announced her intention to return from retirement to face the winner of Saturday’s title bout at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

“The Lioness” was seated cageside for the event and watched as her former American Top Team training partner dominated Peña before securing a second-round submission. Nunes later shared the key reasons behind her decision to step back into competition.

"Honestly, if I stayed at American Top Team this fight might not ever happen," Nunes said in an interview with ESPN shortly after the event. "I left. It was my decision. Now I have my own gym, my own camp with my own coaches that I set up everything with. I'm going to get in camp full time. I've been training here and there, always in shape. But honestly like November-December, I'm going to be ready to go."

Harrison has looked dominant during her brief UFC run, earning wins over Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira on her way to Saturday’s title victory—a streak that has caught the attention of Amanda Nunes.

“As soon as she got a microphone, she used to talk about me,” the former champion said of Harrison. “From that moment, we already started getting like, not different, but like we always respect each other in the gym – but we knew the energy. We never would be able to connect.

"I like when the opponents can bring me fear, bring me adrenaline. Kayla is one of those kinds of fighters. This is how I show up, when you threaten me with something. I know Kayla is that kind of fighter. This is what I like to feel. I like to be in danger. This is how 'The Lioness' comes out."