UFC 300: Holly Holm vs. Kayla Harrison: Live round-by-round updates
UFC 300 will see Holly Holm welcome former two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison to the octagon. The pair will be a part of a stacked preliminary card, as they will battle in a classic striker vs. grappler matchup.
Holm will hope to prove that she belongs in the top five of the women's bantamweight division, and a victory over a decorated combat sports athlete like Harrison would likely do so.
But for the UFC debutant, a statement-making performance could see her leapfrog the division and be matched up with the champion, Raquel Pennington. Could 'The Preacher's Daughter' replicate her finish over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 by knocking out another American judoka? Only time will tell.
Questions regarding how Harrison would fare in the octagon have continued since her MMA debut in 2018. After overcoming the biggest hurdle ahead of her promotional debut, making the 136-pound limit, it is time for her to prove that she belongs on the sport's biggest stage.
Don't miss the live coverage and play-by-play updates from Sportskeeda as the preliminary card unfolds at UFC 300.
Watch the final face-off below:
UFC 300: Holly Holm vs. Kayla Harrison
Follow the events of every round from the fight below:
Round 1:
As the opening bell rings, both fighters cautiously approach their opponent, circling on the outside. Kayla Harrison throws an inside leg kick, before throwing a kick up high that initiates a clinch position near the cage. Holly Holm is swiftly taken down by the Olympic gold medalist before reversing the position nicely with a sweep.
After getting back to her feet, Holm is then quickly taken down again, with Harrison gaining top position. The UFC debutant rains down vicious strikes for the remaining three minutes of the round, while the former UFC champion is unable to land a single strike in Round 1.
Round 2:
Harrison rushes her opponent as Round 2 commences, closing the distance.
After securing a takedown, the UFC debutant gets to full mount and begins landing strikes. Holm is forced to give her back, leading to Harrison sinking in a rear-naked choke which leads to the tap.
Harrison has successfully arrived in the UFC, steamrolling a former champion and a veteran of the sport.