Kayla Harrison’s UFC debut was nothing short of spectacular as she faced off against former champion Holly Holm in the prelims of UFC 300. The two-time Olympic judo champion showcased her skills and experience by completely dominating Holm throughout the fight. With a rear-naked choke submission at 1 minute, 47 seconds of the second round, Harrison proved that she is a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.
A Clear Goal
In her postfight interview, Harrison made her intentions crystal clear – she is here for one reason only, to claim the UFC title. Her confidence and determination were evident as she declared, “I want my title next.” With such a strong debut performance, it is no surprise that Harrison has her sights set on becoming a UFC champion by the end of the year.
One of the key factors in Harrison’s victory over Holm was her ability to adapt and showcase different aspects of her fighting style. Moving to bantamweight for the first time in her MMA career, Harrison displayed strong ground-and-pound skills, utilizing elbows that she was not able to use in her previous promotion, PFL. This versatility and willingness to evolve as a fighter will undoubtedly serve her well as she progresses in her UFC career.
With an impressive record of 17-1, Harrison has proven herself to be a formidable competitor in the world of MMA. Her ability to finish fights (with 13 finishes in 18 pro bouts) and her experience as a two-time PFL women’s lightweight champion further solidify her position as a top contender in the UFC. Despite facing challenges in cutting weight to 135 pounds, Harrison successfully made the transition and has already made a significant impact in the bantamweight division.
Champion’s Mentality
Harrison’s victory over Holm, who had just one loss in her past five fights, is a testament to her champion’s mentality. The Ohio native’s determination, skill, and focus on her ultimate goal of claiming the UFC title are qualities that set her apart as a rising star in the sport. With an impressive performance in her UFC debut, Harrison has undoubtedly made a mark on the division and shown that she is a force to be reckoned with.
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