Kayla Harrison, transitioning from PFL to UFC, aims to hit the 135-pound bantamweight limit for her title fight against Julianna Pena at UFC 316, despite challenges with weight cutting, believing the sacrifice is essential for her legacy.
Kayla Harrison hasn’t yet hit 135 pounds on the UFC scale, a must to vie for the women’s bantamweight title this Saturday. It’s a big deal, really.
For the first time, the PFL star fights for UFC gold, challenging Julianna Pena at UFC 316. This showdown takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Exciting, right?
Harrison previously made weight in her UFC bouts against Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira, thanks to the extra pound allowance for non-title fights. This time, though, she needs to shed that extra pound. Could be tricky.
“I think it’s overblown,” Harrison told MMA Fighting. Confident, she trusts her disciplined routine and excellent team. “We’re all going to see [on Friday].”
Mostly a lightweight fighter, Harrison snagged PFL titles in 2019 and 2021. She’s dabbled outside lightweight, including a featherweight bout and a catchweight contest. Versatile, huh?
Despite her PFL success, Harrison always yearned for a UFC title. With the featherweight division gone, she had to adapt. Sacrifices, she believes, will cement her legacy in combat sports.
“I don’t believe in weight cutting,” Harrison admitted. Yet, she sees the sacrifice as worth the reward. It’s tough, but she’s driven by a goal.
“Before signing with UFC, I was scared,” she confessed. Never having made the weight, she turned to faith for strength. Her Olympic wins? Fueled by Pizza Rolls and Diet Coke. Go figure!
Moving away at 15 to pursue judo, nutrition wasn’t a priority back then. Now, it’s a chance for growth and discipline. A refining fire, indeed.