Kayla Harrison is grateful for the opportunity to compete under the Ultimate Fighting Championship banner.
UFC CEO Dana White recently announced Harrison's signing with the Las Vegas-based promotion along with other details regarding her debut. Harrison (16-1) is slated to make her first UFC appearance on the marquee UFC 300 card in a bantamweight clash against former champion Holly Holm (15-6).
The two-time Professional Fighters League champion recently posted a video on social media after her signing was announced, saying:
“When I started competing, my goal was to be the best…the Olympic champion of MMA. The UFC presents me with the opportunity to be just that. It’s been an amazing journey to reach this point, and I’m grateful for every step along the path. The highs and lows have all shaped me and made me an even better version of myself. God’s timing is perfect, and I am sure of one thing: My time is now. Let’s goooooo!”
Harrison will enter the Octagon on the heels of a unanimous decision win against former UFC fighter Aspen Ladd under the PFL banner last November. Prior to that, the Ohio native suffered the first loss of her professional career, dropping a decision to Larissa Pacheco in their trilogy match in 2022. She leaves the PFL holding a litany of its records, ruling over the women’s divisions with the most appearances (16), wins (15) and finishes (11), among many others.
Meanwhile, Holm, 42, is coming off a no-contest after Mayra Bueno Silva's submission win over her was overturned. The Brazilian managed to snare Holm with a ninja choke, but she failed a post-fight drug test because of her ADHD medication. Earlier in March 2023, “The Preacher’s Daughter” walked away with a unanimous decision win against Yana Santos.
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