5 reasons why the UFC should sign Kayla Harrison
Kayla Harrison joining the UFC has been a topic of speculation for quite a while now. Ever since the former judoka became a free agent after PFL 2021, the rumor mill has started churning. However, it soon came to light that while there had been talks, neither party agreed to a contract.
For a while, it seemed that the former Olympian might re-sign with the PFL, but the deal fell through. This recent development has reignited hopes that Harrison might finally sign with the MMA leader. She has also become a familiar sight at almost every major UFC event.
The Ohio native's rise through the ranks of women's MMA has been nothing short of spectacular. In a very short period of time, Harrison has established herself as the dominant force in the PFL women's lightweight division. She has also built a strong fan base. So here are 5 reasons why the UFC should sign Kayla Harrison.
#5. Kayla Harrison would be the most decorated Olympian in UFC history
The UFC is always looking to add established fighters to its roster. Athletes like Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier and Yoel Romero were accomplished Olympic wrestlers who competed in the promotion.
Kayla Harrison also finds herself in a similar position. A distinguished judo practitioner, Harrison has won numerous international championships. She began training in judo aged six and by the age of fifteen, the Ohio native was a two-time national champion. The 31-year-old has also won gold at the World and Pan-American judo championships.
Harrison's biggest accolades are her 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold medals. In fact, the Ohio native was the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in judo. Her experience as an Olympic athlete has also helped Harrison evolve as a mixed martial artist. Like Cejudo and Cormier, Harrison plays to her strengths inside the cage and could be a future UFC star.