HomeUFCKayla Harrison's Journey to UFC Debut and Personal Life

Kayla Harrison’s Journey to UFC Debut and Personal Life

Read about Kayla Harrison’s journey to her UFC debut and her personal life. Learn about her impressive career in judo, her transition to MMA, and her role as a mother raising her two grandchildren.

Key Points
Kayla Harrison, Olympic gold medalist in judo, is set to make her UFC debut this Saturday.
She will face former bantamweight champion Holly Holm at the historic UFC 300 anniversary mega-card.
Harrison has had a successful career in judo, winning two Olympic gold medals and multiple championships.
Her mother, Jeannie, played a crucial role in introducing her to judo and shaping her martial arts career.
In 2019, Kayla took on the responsibility of raising her two grandchildren after her mother suffered a stroke.
Harrison is determined to provide her grandchildren with a loving and caring home.

Kayla Harrison, the Olympic gold medalist in judo, is set to make her highly anticipated UFC debut this Saturday. She will face former bantamweight champion Holly Holm at the historic UFC 300 anniversary mega-card. Harrison’s transition from judo to mixed martial arts has been remarkable, and her success can be attributed to her determination and hard work.

Born in Middletown, Ohio, Harrison has had an impressive career in judo even before entering the world of MMA. She became the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in judo, achieving this feat twice at the 2012 Tokyo and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. In addition to her Olympic success, Harrison has also won numerous national and Pan-American judo championships, including the 2010 World Championship in Tokyo.

After making her MMA debut in 2018 at the PFL, Harrison quickly rose to prominence and became a champion in the promotion. She has fought 17 times in the past five years, winning all but one of those fights. Harrison’s mother played a crucial role in her journey to becoming a successful martial artist.

Kayla Harrison’s parents, Kenny Harrison Jr. and Jeannie Yazell, have been instrumental in shaping her martial arts career and life. Her mother, Jeannie, who is also a judo black belt, introduced Kayla to the sport at a young age. Jeannie’s own experience as a mixed martial artist undoubtedly influenced and guided Kayla’s path.

In 2019, Jeannie suffered a stroke, and Kayla took on the responsibility of raising her two grandchildren, Kyla and Emery. The kids now live with Kayla in her Florida home, providing her with joy and purpose. Kayla is determined to give them a loving and caring home, ensuring they have the best life possible.

Kayla Harrison’s UFC debut is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see her showcase her skills in the octagon. Her journey from judo to MMA, along with her personal life, is a testament to her resilience and dedication to her craft.