After much anticipation, Kayla Harrison, the two-time Olympic Judoka and two-time PFL lightweight champion made her UFC debut at UFC 300. Harrison steamrolled past Holly Holm, the ex-bantamweight champion, as she made his intentions clear about getting the undisputed title. The UFC’s bantamweight division was ruled by Amanda Nunes for a long time with her only hiccup coming against Julianna Pena.
However, after Kayla Harrison’s victory, the retired Nunes hinted at a return via social media. Harrison, a former training partner of Nunes was asked about a potential matchup and she seemed all for it. “I would love to win a UFC title, and if Amanda wants to come back, I’ll welcome her with open arms,” said Harrison. “I’d be down for that,” Harrison further added when asked if she would fight Nunes for a BMF title.
Nunes and Harrison were once cordial as they were training partners at the American Top Team but had a fallout. Nunes’ social media post has Dana White very excited, and the UFC CEO revealed interest in making the fight happen if Harrison becomes a champion in the division per MMA Mania.
Nunes retired at UFC 289 after victory over Irene Aldana via unanimous decision in Vancouver, Canada. However, after Raquel Pennington won the vacated title at UFC 297, Nunes flirted with the idea of returning, and with a recent social media post, it looks like she will return soon.
Kayla Harrison submits Holly Holm at UFC 300
There was nothing that Holly Holm could do against Kayla Harrison at UFC 300. The only notable thing she did was she reversed Harrison after the Judoka put her on the ground. However, Holm did not stick to striking as she engaged in clinching with Harrison only to be taken down and dominated.
It was all over in the second round as Harrison took Holm down, took her back, and sank in a rear naked choke. Holm tapped out within seconds, a reminder of the squeeze that a Judoka-level athlete could produce. Harrison called for a title shot after the victory in late 2024 against the winner of the potential fight between Julianna Pena and Raquel Pennington.
Dana White was very impressed by the performance of Harrison and therefore might give the title shot to the two-time PFL champion. Harrison had already engaged in trash talks with Pena and Pennington and with her trash-talking skills could bring interest back to the female division again after Ronda Rousey’s retirement.
Should Kayla Harrison fight for the UFC bantamweight title next? Leave your thoughts below!
