Kayla Harrison, after winning the UFC 316 championship, is preparing for a highly anticipated fight with former teammate Amanda Nunes, who is coming out of retirement, with both fighters maintaining respect despite their past connections at American Top Team.
Kayla Harrison is still riding high after her dominant second-round submission victory over Julianna Peña at UFC 316. Yet, her attention is already shifting to a potential clash with former teammate Amanda Nunes.
Right after securing her title, Harrison invited Nunes into the cage. They shared a faceoff that’s already being hyped as possibly the biggest fight in women’s MMA history. However, Nunes’ return from retirement means she’ll undergo six months of drug testing, so the fight’s timing is still uncertain.
Despite the buzz, Harrison insists there’s no personal animosity. The narrative is being spun around their past at American Top Team, where Nunes mentioned she left to avoid conflict with Harrison.
“I thought she left because she lost to Peña, but her words suggest otherwise,” Harrison told MMA Fighting. “I was there when Julianna beat Amanda, and maybe she misunderstood my intentions.”
Harrison clarifies she never planned to challenge Nunes that night. She remained with PFL and never signed with UFC, which might explain Nunes’ departure, but Harrison remains unfazed.
Nunes, who left American Top Team after a loss to Peña, now trains at her own facility. She echoes Harrison’s sentiment, saying there’s no ill will, but she foresaw a potential conflict.
Harrison can’t speak for Nunes’ decisions but maintains pride in her relationships with teammates. “I’ve been a good teammate,” she asserts, noting efforts to keep her with PFL.
Even when at the same gym, Harrison and Nunes weren’t main training partners. Harrison was always open to working together, but it didn’t happen often.
“I see teammates like Dustin Poirier and others leveling up together,” Harrison reflects. “I’m all for that, but it was her choice not to train much with me.”
In an ideal scenario, Harrison envisions a respectful showdown with Nunes, focusing on their skills rather than drama. Yet, she’s aware of the potential for tension, recalling the Covington-Masvidal saga that rocked American Top Team.
“My hope is for a respectful fight that elevates us both,” Harrison says. “I don’t want a Colby-Masvidal situation. I’m loyal to ATT and ready to defend myself if needed.”