Kayla Harrison is chasing history.
UFC 300 saw the arrival of Harrison in the Octagon after a successful run through Professional Fighters League’s (PFL) Lightweight division. The former two-time champion not only debuted in UFC at the historic event but denuted at 135 pounds when she defeated former divisional titlist, Holly Holm, via a second round rear-naked choke (watch highlights) in a dominant effort.
Harrison, 33, was arguably PFL’s biggest and most built-up superstar, especially in terms of homegrown fighters. Her departure came as a surprise and the first notable crossover from PFL to UFC. Therefore, when asked about the move, PFL Founder, Donn Davis, recently labeled Harrison “a follower who needs validation” in a basketball comparison with LeBron James and Kevin Durant. The two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo broke her silence on the comments this past weekend (Fri., May 31, 2024).
“Honestly, I’m living my best life,” Harrison said on The Ariel Helwani Show. “I take great pride in what I built at the PFL. I carried that company on my back for quite a while, and I’ve got big shoulders, so I can handle it. I just don’t have time for that bulls—t. Every day, I wake up, I get to go to the gym, I get to train with the people that I respect, admire, and look up to. I’m chasing a dream. When I started MMA, the goal wasn’t to make a s—t ton of money. The goal wasn’t to be rich and famous, the goal was to be UFC champion.
“That’s why I’m here and that’s what I want to do. If anyone has a problem with it, they can go f—k themselves,” she concluded.
As Harrison (17-1) continued to grow as a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, the thought of a match up against all-time great and reigning Bellator Featherweight champion, Cris “Cyborg” Justino, developed. Unfortunately, the bout never came to fruition in either the Bellator or PFL cages despite Harrison and company’s best efforts.
Well past the concept of the long-anticipated clash, Harrison just targets UFC gold and potentially bringing back the best to ever do it.
“I tried to fight Cyborg several times,” Harrison said. “I’m not gonna bet my career on Cyborg saying yes to me. I don’t need Cyborg anymore. I’m gonna go on, I’m gonna be great, I’m gonna go win the UFC title, lure Amanda [Nunes] back, beat the s—t out of Amanda, and then I’m gonna be the greatest of all time.”
Harrison added that she was dealing with a hand injury after her Holm win that prevented her from a potential return at UFC 303 this month (Sat., June 29, 2024). She now hopes to return around October.
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