Welcome to the UFC, Kayla Harrison.
The two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and PFL Champ makes her highly-anticipated debut at UFC 300. Harrison, a longtime lightweight competitor, moves down two weight classes to face former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm.
This wouldn’t be the first time Holm has encountered an Olympic-level judoka. In 2015, “The Preacher’s Daughter” delivered a beautiful headkick to KO Ronda Rousey, ending her legendary title reign. We’ll see if lightning strikes twice for Holm nearly a decade later at 42 years old.
Harrison, 33, steps onto MMA’s biggest stage after starting her pro career in the PFL in 2018. The Olympian won back-to-back $1M championships in the promotion but the third time wasn’t the charm for Harrison as she lost to Brazilian powerhouse and former UFC fighter Larissa Pacheco.
The American puts that chapter aside, starting anew in the Octagon where she hopes to conquer gold in not only a new promotion, but a new division as well at 135lbs.
Round 1:
Harrison pumps out the jab. They play it safe from a distance. Harrison throws a headkick, with Holm going in for the clinch. Holm gets taken down by a judo trip, but somehow reverses position. They get back up to their feet, fighting from within the clinch. Harrison takes down Holm with ease. Harrison lands ground and pound. Harrison dominates with top position. Harrison lands elbows and pours on more strikes. Harrison has her way with Holm, landing punches at will.
Harrison lands an elbow. Harrison holds down Holm until the end of the round.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Harrison
Round 2:
Holm throws out a jab and then a sidekick. Harrison’s punches don’t get through but a headkick does. Harrison and Holm close the distance in the clinch. Harrison lands a knee and follows it up with a successful takedown. Harrison seizes the back of Holm on the ground. It doesn’t take long for Harrison to lock in the rear-naked choke and within seconds, Holm is forced to tap out.
Official result: Kayla Harrison defeats Holly Holm via submission (rear-naked choke) in round 2 (1:47)
Check out the highlights below:
The time is NOW 🚨@KaylaH on her way to the Octagon for her UFC debut! #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/xrVhzAzR2I
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2024
Allow me to introduce myself 🗣@KaylaH gets the submission victory in round 2! #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/iqHsNgpl7w
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2024
Eyes on gold 👀🏆@KaylaH knows exactly what she wants next #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/9gERAV24VC
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2024
