Kayla Harrison, a decorated American professional mixed martial artist and multiple Olympic gold medalist in judo, is set to make her much-anticipated debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) at UFC 300.
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Harrison, known for her remarkable achievements in judo, competed in the 78 kg (172 lb) weight category and secured victories at prestigious events like the World Judo Championships and the Olympics.
Transitioning to mixed martial arts after the 2016 Olympics, she became the former Professional Fighters League lightweight champion and earned induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame in March 2023.
Early Life
Born in Middletown, Ohio, Harrison’s journey into judo began at the age of six under the guidance of her mother, a black belt in the sport.
Despite early success, her path was marred by adversity when she became a victim of sexual abuse by her coach, Daniel Doyle.
Harrison’s bravery in reporting the abuse led to Doyle’s conviction and her subsequent relocation to Boston to train under Jimmy Pedro and his father.
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Ultimate Fighting Championship
On January 23, 2024, UFC President Dana White announced Harrison’s signing with the promotion, marking her debut in the bantamweight division against former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024.
In an electrifying performance, the 33-year-old Ohio native submitted UFC legend Holly Holm with a rear naked choke in the second round of their bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Harrison emerged unscathed from the encounter, confidently stating her ambition to claim a UFC championship title by the year’s end.
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