Kayla Harrison captures UFC title, Dana White discusses the Jon Jones situation, Ben Askren unresponsive with pneumonia, and more: MMA News Roundup

Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda MMA News Roundup. Kayla Harrison made history by submitting Julianna Pena to claim the UFC bantamweight title in the co-main event of UFC 316. Dana White shared his thoughts on Jon Jones' recent assertions that he's retired. Meanwhile, the MMA community rallied for Ben Askren, whose sudden hospitalization with severe pneumonia has left fans and fellow fighters anxious. Let's break it all down:

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Kayla Harrison submits Julianna Pena to claim UFC women's bantamweight gold

Kayla Harrison became the new UFC women’s bantamweight champion after a clinical second-round submission victory over Julianna Pena.

From the opening bell, she stuck to her wrestling-heavy plan and imposed her will with suffocating top control. Pena was deducted a point after delivering a pair of illegal upkicks that struck Harrison while she was grounded.

In the second frame, Harrison closed the distance once again and worked her way to a submission. An arm triangle looked imminent, but the American Top Team standout adjusted beautifully, transitioning to a kimura in the final seconds of the round.

The 34-year-old is now poised for one of the biggest fights of her life against Amanda Nunes.

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Dana White shares updates on the ongoing Jon Jones-Tom Aspinall saga

Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones has accepted an offer to fight Tom Aspinall, despite recent talk of retirement. Speaking at the UFC 316 post-fight press conference, White called Jones’ comments about vacating the heavyweight title “crazy."

Jones had suggested last week that he might relinquish the belt. White also downplayed an ongoing fan petition and insisted the UFC remains committed to making the fight happen. While fielding questions about Jones at the post-fight press conference, White said:

“F***ing crazy, I’ve been busy and I haven’t been keeping up with the gossip. He comes back [soon], he was in Thailand, so he’s home, and Tuesday we’ll figure this out. Tom Aspinall is the guy, he’s the guy... if [Jones] wants to retire and doesn’t want to fight, then there’s nothing you can do... I didn’t want Khabib [Nurmagomedov] to retire, I thought [Daniel Cormier] should’ve stayed a little longer, so it’s none of my business. I’ll do what I can to make the fight if we can. I didn’t realise he was talking that crazy sh*t." [H/t: talksport.com]

Check out Dana White's comments below:

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Ben Askren hospitalized in serious condition with pneumonia

Former UFC welterweight contender Ben Askren is hospitalized with severe pneumonia. His wife, Amy Askren, shared the news with fans, revealing that her husband is currently unresponsive.

Askren, who is just 40 years old, contracted acute pneumonia that struck without warning. Amy revealed the details of Askren's condition, writing:

"You may have heard that my husband Ben is going through something. He developed severe pneumonia which came on very suddenly. He's currently in the hospital and unable to respond to anything at this time. We welcome all prayers for healing and for peace. We are trying to keep life as normal as possible for our children currently and doing our best to support them thoughtfully so please refrain from discussing it with them for now."

Check out Amy Askren's comments below: