Kayla Harrison’s dominant UFC debut against Holly Holm showcases her skills and solidifies her status as a true champion. Read more about her impressive victory and the potential for future championship opportunities.
| Kayla Harrison lived up to the hype at UFC 300 this past weekend (April 13, 2024). An early scare from a reversed judo throw was about as much adversity as the former two-time Professional Fighters League (PFL) Lightweight champion faced against Holly Holm in her Octagon debut. Harrison still overwhelmed “The Preacher’s Daughter” in that opening round, officially out-striking her 56 total strikes to seven, per UFC Stats. Ultimately, Harrison, 33, rinsed and repeated the effort in round two en route to a rear-naked choke victory (watch highlights). Several questions surrounded Harrison ahead of what was also her first fight at Bantamweight. The weight cut wasn’t easy, Harrison admitted after making the 136-pound mark this past Friday (April 14, 2024). Now 17-1 after the Holm win, the two-time Olympic gold medalist in Judo has had her record and level of competition questioned throughout the entirety of her PFL run. However, PFL Founder, Donn Davis, believes the performance only proved what he and the company have always believed. “Kayla is @PFLMMA Champion … so no surprise her dominant UFC debut win,” Davis tweeted. “@KaylaH destroyed @HollyHolm former @UFC Champion and #2 rank. PFL Champions – can beat anyone.” Harrison closed out her PFL career on a positive note at the PFL 2023 Championship in November 2023. A unanimous decision nod over former UFC Bantamweight contender, Aspen Ladd, got Harrison back in the win column after she suffered her only career loss to Larissa Pacheco in the finals of the 2022 Lightweight season (watch highlights). The one-sided showing against Holm sets Harrison up nicely to be right in the championship conversation for her next time out. There might also be the potential to entice a G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) back into the Octagon, if lucky. For complete UFC 300 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE. For all the latest PFL and Bellator MMA news and notes click here and here. |
Kayla Harrison’s Impressive UFC Debut
Kayla Harrison proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with at UFC 300 this past weekend. Despite an early scare, Harrison dominated her opponent, Holly Holm, in a stunning display of skill and athleticism.
In her first fight at Bantamweight, Harrison faced questions about her ability to make the weight cut. However, she silenced her critics by making the 136-pound mark and delivering a flawless performance in the Octagon.
Throughout her career in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Harrison’s record and level of competition have been questioned. But her victory over Holm solidified her status as a true champion.
PFL Founder, Donn Davis, expressed his confidence in Harrison, stating that her dominant win was no surprise. He believes that PFL champions, like Harrison, can beat anyone.
Harrison’s journey to the UFC was not without setbacks. She suffered her only career loss in the finals of the 2022 Lightweight season. However, she bounced back with a unanimous decision victory over Aspen Ladd at the PFL 2023 Championship.
With her impressive performance against Holm, Harrison is now in the conversation for a championship title. There is even the possibility of luring a legendary fighter back into the Octagon.
For more information on the UFC 300 results and highlights, click here.
For the latest news and updates on PFL and Bellator MMA, click here and here.
