It wasn’t just another championship win. For Olympic legend turned UFC star Kayla Harrison, UFC 316 was a powerful platform to share her faith.

Last weekend, Harrison claimed the UFC Women’s Bantamweight title in an epic showdown against Julianna Peña. But beyond the win, it was what she said afterward that has reverberated far beyond the cage. A message of hope for anyone who’s ever felt alone, unseen, or stuck in life’s toughest moments.

With Joe Rogan holding the mic, she looked out at the crowd and said:

“This is UFC 316, and so John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son so that we might have eternal life.  Because of Him, I have these gifts. And so, they are all for His glory. Thank you. God.” | Kayla Harrison

Then, speaking directly from her heart:

“This is for all the moms, especially the single moms. I know it’s hard, and it feels like you’re being punished, but you’re not. You’re being positioned. You have a place in those children’s lives. You’re seen. God has a plan for you.”

Kayla’s Story

That phrase positioned, not punished is something every believer needs to hear. As Harrison, a single mother who’s adopted her niece and nephew after a family tragedy, knows firsthand, God’s calling often comes wrapped in hard fights both in sports and in life

Her story isn’t just about athletic greatness (though, yes, she’s a two-time Olympic champ and now a UFC title holder). It’s about surviving childhood abuse, walking through the fire of trauma, and raising two kids as a single mom herself. Her faith didn’t come from a place of comfort. It came from a place of deep need and even deeper trust.

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In an arena known for punches and pay-per-view, she brought the gospel. She made space for God in a spotlight that often doesn’t. And in doing so, she reminded believers everywhere that our lowest moments don’t mean we’ve been forgotten, they may be setting us up for purpose.

So if you’ve been wondering where God is in your mess, hear this: You’re not being punished. You’re being positioned.

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