Former two time PFL champion Kayla Harrison made her long awaited UFC debut this year at UFC 300 and won emphatically.
The American Judoka phenom made her debut against former UFC champion Holly Holm in April and many fans were ready to see her fight for UFC gold immediately. Instead she faces Ketlen Vieira at the upcoming UFC 307 event in Salt Lake City. At the event the Women’s Bantamweight belt will be on the line in the co main event between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña. New champion Pennington is making her first defence against a former champion in Peña whom pulled off one of the sports greatest upsets taking the belt from Amanda Nunes. Harrison had some choice words for Nunes in a recent interview.
Kayla Harrison on Amanda Nunes
While both athletes reigned supreme in their respected organisation there was always the question of who would win. With Harrison competing up at 155lbs in PFL and Nunes dominating at both 145lbs and 135lbs, fans thought paths may never cross. The opportunity is certainly much closer now following Harrison’s move into the UFC even if Nunes is currently retired. This is what the 135lb contender had to say about the former double champion,
“I didn’t call Amanda out because Amanda’s retired, you know? I didn’t want to be that girl that’s like calling out old people, retired people, like people who are fat and happy sitting on the couch. I’m happy for her. I think also she struggles to not be in the limelight still. So I think when I had my moment, maybe she needed to come in, which is fine – and I have no beef with Amanda. Listen, the only problem I have with Amanda is that she talks sh*t about the greatest team in the world, [American Top Team]. Personally, I think she’s great – but don’t talk sh*t about my team.” Quotes via MMAJunkie.
The two time Olympic gold medallist must first dispatch of Vieira at UFC 307 before getting her UFC title shot and once she holds UFC gold that unlocks the Nunes return fight. Which would be one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA history. Vieira has title aspirations of her own as she returned to winning ways in July against Pannie Kianzad. The Brazilian has only lost once in her last four and it was to the current champion. If there is a ferocious and stylish finish for Harrison at UFC 307 expect every name around the divisions title picture to get a mention.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
