One of the most intriguing storylines heading into UFC 300 is Kayla Harrison ’s ability to make the cut to 135 pounds.
According to her strength and conditioning coach, Jeremy Fedoruk, Harrison is currently “ahead of schedule” to make the bantamweight limit for her April 13 clash with Holly Holm. Fedroruk has been working with Harrison since the two-time Olympic gold medalist joined American Top Team in 2018. Fedoruk says Harrison made the decision to cut to 135 pounds after meeting with him and nutritionist Eric Pena.
“That decision was made by the team after we talked, and we didn’t see any issues for her to reach 135,” Fedoruk told Sherdog.com. “We already reached 145 pounds in the past, now we have to lose 10 more pounds.”
In the past, Harrison has relied on her power to impose her will on opponents, but Fedoruk doesn’t expect the former Professional Fighters League lightweight champ to lose strength with the drop in weight class.
“Our camp was based on losing some muscle density without losing power,” he said. “But you have to realize too that Kayla’s been throwing people around and slamming bodies to the mats most of her life. She is a power-based athlete, high velocity, high level of conditioning — so our camp goes on to keep her power up, keep her conditioning well up and obviously, stay injury free.
“Based on how the camp is going and what we planned prior, she is not gonna lose any power or strength. I can tell you that now, three weeks prior to the fight, she is looking amazing, way ahead of schedule. Period.”
Fedoruk avoided offering any concrete predictions for Harrison’s UFC debut, but it is nonetheless clear that his expectations are high.
“What I can say is that Kayla is unique,” he said. “Amazing athlete, amazing fighter and amazing person. [She’s a] two-time gold medalist and two-time PFL champion and she is driven. Since the goals are set and the challenge is ahead, if anyone will blow through it, it's gonna be her.
“She is a beast in the cage, a total professional, an amazing heart that cannot be measured and also, she is experienced. Not taking anything away from Holly, but Kayla is unique and she will show that once again on April 13.”
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