In what proved to be the suprise announcement of the past week, Dana White revealed that two-time Professional Fighters League champ Kayla Harrison would make her Octagon debut against Holly Holm at UFC 300.
While Harrison’s signing was news enough, the UFC CEO also confirmed that the bout against Holm would be contested at 135 pounds. Harrison has competed at lightweight for the majority of her professional career, making 145 pounds just once for an appearance under the Invicta Fighting Championships banner in 2020.
Count former UFC bantamweight queen Miesha Tate, who briefly tried her hand at 125 pounds, among those who are skeptical about the transition.
“When I saw it was at 135, I was shocked, because Kayla Harrison begged for 155-pound division at PFL and she got it and I think she’s been great there. She’s been tremendous. I know she’s made 145 before, I think it was tough for her. I think 135 is going to really suck the life out of her, and it’s not the best move,” Tate said on SiriusXM.
“I guess I’m speaking from personal experience, because when I went down to 125—although I did it and I still had a pretty decent camp—I just didn’t perform at my best, and I think Kayla is just used to being such a big, strong woman, that she won’t have that on her side, and I’m really curious to see how that’s going to benefit her with someone like Holly, who really does move so well. She really has some of the best footwork in the women’s divisions, and I think that’s going to be tough for Kayla.”
A two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, the 33-year-old Harrison has been victorious in 16 of her first 17 fights. Her lone defeat came in an upset loss to Larissa Pacheco at the 2022 PFL Championships. The 42-year-old Holm, meanwhile, has arguably fought tougher competition during her UFC tenure, but she is currently the underdog against Harrison.
““I’m pumped for Kayla,” Tate said. “I’m excited for her to come over here. I think it’s going to be really good, but if you’re asking me who I think is going to win that fight, looking at it right now, I would say Holly.”
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