UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison was recently spotted in a sauna, visibly exhausted, as she works to make the 135-pound limit for her upcoming bout against former two-division champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 in Las Vegas on January 24.
At 35 years old, Harrison has already navigated some of the toughest weight cuts in her career. The Olympian is known for her discipline and dedication, but footage shared on her Instagram stories shows just how physically demanding the process can be. Harrison’s cross necklace, worn during the session, seems to reflect her mindset of determination and faith amid extreme fatigue.
The Weight Cut Challenge
Harrison (19-1) must drop to 135 pounds, the highest weight class for female fighters in the UFC, which requires precise planning, strict diet control, and intense physical effort. The sauna session is part of the final phase of her preparation, pushing the body to shed the last few pounds before weigh-ins.
While seasoned fans have seen her undergo similar challenges in the past—including the brutal cut to compete at UFC 316—this latest effort highlights the mental and physical demands of maintaining championship-level performance.
😮💨 Kayla Harrison putting in some time in a sauna as she prepares for another tough weight cut to 135lbs
She has 18 days left until she weighs in for the Amanda Nunes fight ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/u3qqGhi67P
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) January 5, 2026
The co-main event against Amanda Nunes is set to test Harrison’s endurance, skill, and resilience. With just weeks remaining, the champion’s sauna preparation is a clear indicator of her commitment to reclaiming top form. Proper recovery and hydration after sessions like this will be crucial to ensure she steps into the Octagon both healthy and ready.
Fans will be watching closely to see if her hard work in training and the sauna translates into a sharp, powerful performance against Nunes at UFC 324.
