Megan Anderson knows the grind of mixed martial arts all too well. As a former UFC featherweight contender, she’s battled through the sport’s toughest challenges. Now, she’s speaking out about Kayla Harrison, the two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and PFL champion who’s making waves in the UFC’s bantamweight division. Harrison has been cutting down to 135 pounds for her UFC fights, and Anderson has some serious worries about what that means for her health.
The Weight Cut Takes a Toll
When Anderson talked to MMAFighting, she didn’t shy away from the truth.
“The caviat for me with Kayla is, just because you can make the weight, doesn’t always mean you should,” she said.
Harrison spent years competing at 155 pounds in the PFL and even fought at 145 pounds before joining the UFC. Dropping to 135 pounds is a big leap, and Anderson thinks it’s a risky one.
She explained that Harrison has to plan for this cut months in advance.
“She has to start preparing three months out for that weight cut because it’s so big for her,” Anderson said.
That’s a long time to stress the body just to make weight. Anderson gets it. She’s been there herself.
“I know for a fact that weight cut is miserable for her because I know 145 pounds was miserable for me,” she shared.
If 145 was rough for Anderson, she can only imagine how brutal 135 is for Harrison.
Women Face Extra Challenges
Anderson pointed out something important about female fighters.
“For women, these big weight cuts, hormonally it’s not good,” she said.
Losing that much weight isn’t just about sweat and discipline. It can mess with hormones, zap energy, and affect overall health. For women, those changes can hit harder. Anderson’s seen it in her own career and knows it’s not a small thing.
Even though Harrison has made 135 pounds twice now, once for her win over Holly Holm at UFC 300 and again for her victory against Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307, Anderson isn’t convinced it’s sustainable.
“It’s the toll on the body, it’s the quality of life,” she said.
Harrison might be winning fights, but Anderson wonders what it’s costing her behind the scenes.
A Short Stay at Bantamweight?
Anderson doesn’t think Harrison will keep fighting at 135 pounds for long.
“I don’t see her fighting for too much longer,” she predicted.
Harrison’s got a shot at the bantamweight title coming up, likely against Julianna Pena, who won the belt at UFC 307.
“She dominated Julianna, or it’s a back and forth battle and she ends up becoming the champion,” Anderson said, picturing the possibilities.
Megan Anderson doesn’t see Kayla Harrison having a long run at 135 pounds:
“For women, these big weight cuts, hormonally, it’s not good.”
(🎥 @guicruzzz) pic.twitter.com/WF8o46tsP2
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 18, 2025
But even if Harrison wins gold, Anderson believes the weight cuts might push her out of the division or the sport sooner rather than later.
Harrison’s already a legend with Olympic medals and PFL titles. She’s 2-0 in the UFC as of March 2025, proving she belongs. Still, Anderson’s warning is about the long game, not just the next fight. This isn’t about doubting Harrison’s grit. It’s about what her body can handle.
Anderson’s not throwing shade. She’s been in the octagon and felt the pain of cutting weight herself. Her concern comes from experience, not speculation. She’s watched Harrison take on this huge challenge at 135 pounds and wants people to see the full picture.
Right now, Harrison’s on a collision course with Pena for the bantamweight title. Fans are hyped, and the fight could happen soon. But Anderson’s words linger. Making weight is a battle of its own, and for Harrison, it might be the toughest one she’s facing yet.
