Miesha Tate believes Kayla Harrison could struggle to make the 135-pound limit for her UFC debut.
Earlier this week, Dana White shockingly announced that Harrison, a two-time PFL women’s lightweight champion, had signed with the UFC. To make things more intriguing, the Olympic gold medalist will make her promotional debut against Holly Holm on April 13 at UFC 300.
Harrison has primarily fought at 155 pounds, but her upcoming fight against Holm will be in the women’s bantamweight division (135 pounds). Therefore, the MMA community has questioned if the 33-year-old Judoka will make weight for UFC 300.
During an appearance on MMA Today, Miesha Tate was asked about Holm vs. Harrison and had this to say about the former PFL champion potentially struggling to make weight:
“When I saw it was at 135, I was shocked because Kayla Harrison was big for the 155-pound division at the PFL, and she got it, and I think she’s been great there, she’s been tremendous. I know she’s made 145 before, I think it was tough for her. I think 135 is going to really suck the life out of her. It’s not the best move.”
Tate continued by referencing her experience moving down to a lower-weight class:
“I guess speaking from personal experience because I went down to 125, although I did it, and I still had a pretty decent camp, I just didn’t perform at my best. I think Kayla is really used to being a big, strong women that she won’t have that on her side.”
Miesha Tate predicts Holly Holm will defeat Kayla Harrison at UFC 300
Kayla Harrison has opened as a three-to-one betting favorite for her upcoming fight against Holly Holm. With that said, Harrison’s lack of experience against elite competition combined with the concern about her making weight has led to some fighters and analysts predicting she will suffer an upset loss.
During the previously mentioned appearance on MMA Today, Miesha Tate predicted Holm will emerge victorious at UFC 300 by saying:
“I’m really curious to see how that’s going to benefit her with somebody like Holly [Holm], who really does move so well. She really has some of the best footwork in the women’s divisions. I think that is going to be tough for Kayla. I’m pumped for Kayla. I’m excited for her to come over here. I think it’s going to be really good, but if you’re asking me who I think is going to win that fight looking at it right now, I would say Holly.”
It should be noted that Holly Holm is arguably not the fighter she once was.
The 42-year-old last fought in July 2023, losing against Mayra Bueno Silva by a first-round submission before the result was overturned to a no-contest due to the latter failing a drug test. Holm now looks to silence the doubters by spoiling Kayla Harrison’s UFC debut.
Watch Miesha Tate talk about Holly Holm vs. Kayla Harrison below:
"If you're asking me who I think is going to win that fight, looking at it right now, I'd say Holly."@MieshaTate breaks down the x-factors of the #UFC300 matchup between Kayla Harrison & Holly Holm.
MMA Today | 🎙️ @RJcliffordMMA @AngieOverkill pic.twitter.com/bKdLXtnwt3
— MMA on SiriusXM (@MMAonSiriusXM) January 26, 2024
