Now that she’s a contender in the UFC women’s bantamweight division, Kayla Harrison has a lot to focus on. ‘Doug’ returns to the fold for her second fight under the banner at the UFC 307 pay-per-view event next. Currently No. 3 in the rankings, she has a clear line to the gold. But she’s keeping a close eye on former double champion Amanda Nunes as well.
After tearing through Holly Holm at UFC 300, Kayla Harrison’s next fight is a UFC 307 showdown with #2 135-pounder Ketlen Viera. After that, she hopes to face the winner of the same night’s WMMA bantamweight co-mains Raquel Pennington vs. Juliana Pena. With no more WMMA featherweight division in the UFC, Harrison has plans to make bantamweight her home. If she is able to snag the title, the 34-year-old isn’t ruling out Amanda Nunes in the long run.
I would love for her to come back, …That is literally the dream scenario for Kayla Harrison and her career…I didn’t call Amanda out because Amanda’s retired, you know? …didn’t want to be that girl that’s, like, calling out old people, retired people, people who are fat and happy sitting on the couch. I’m happy for her. I think also she struggles to not be in the limelight still. So I think when I had my moment, maybe she needed to come in…
Kayla Harrison to John Morgan ( @JOHNMORGANMMA ) for Cageside Grind City Media; H/T: SBNation Network
Nunes’ retirement in June 2023 was the result of nerve damage in her legs. However, the ‘Lioness’ has sparked speculation that she will be coming back for the fight with Harrison. She posted a video of Harrison’s UFC 300 win after April’s milestone pay-per-view card, on her socials. CEO and head honcho Dana White even isn’t opposed to such a blockbuster implication.
Harrison already has violent intentions for the roster, on her way to championship gold. In just one bout, the Olympian Judoka has made quite a mark on the women’s pound-for-pound and athlete listings. The former training partner of fellow judoka Ronda Rousey, the PFL seasonal fame and International Sports Hall of Fame inductee has also proven quite a draw. A clash with Nunes could be one for ages. The fact that they were teammates only adds to the equation and intrigue.
Kayla Harrison has ‘no beef’ with Amanda Nunes, but won’t tolerate trash-talking on team
There have been rumors of Nunes/Harrison drama within the American Top Team (ATT). Amanda Nunes had been in the gym for years but left after Harrison arrived, appearing to be heading down to 145. The now-Team Nunes Orthodox complained about being overlooked by the ATT. The WMMA G.O.A.T. candidate once told MMAFighting on SBN that she felt cornered by the arrival of Kayla Harrison and Yana Kunitskaya in their ranks.
Kayla Harrison; Amanda Nunes (Source: lasueur.com/chicagotribune.com)When it came to fantasy bookings, it’s no secret that Harrison, a two-time Professional Fighter’s League (PFL) Lightweight champion and Olympian vs. Nunes was on the table. However, the 36-year-old did not feel the pull toward it all. Despite their former affiliation as sparring mates, ‘The Lioness’ threw shade on ATT and disparaged the attention into one ‘Harrison’ when she was testing the waters as free agency. Harrison does not mind it all but draws the line at diss on her team.
I have no beef with Amanda…Listen, the only problem I have with Amanda is that she talks sh*t about the greatest team in the world, ATT. Personally, I think she’s great. But don’t talk sh*t about my team…
Kayla Harrison furhter said, for Cageside Grind City Media
At this point, Harrison finds herself locked in with UFC for the long run. Will Nunes, on the other hand, return, and seek redemption against ‘Doug’ or not is up for debate yet. If she does, ‘Fearless’ vs. ‘Lioness’ will be a matchup for ages. Kayla Harrison is looking forward to that after UFC 307, but will not tolerate slander in her camp.
