Kayla Harrison is one of the biggest names in the sphere of women’s combat sports. Her Olympic background and achievements are something that has solidified her as one of America’s greats when it comes to the sport.
Harrison’s willingness and love to be at the top of her sport have only improved with her transition into MMA. Her three seasons in PFL have been fruitful with wins and enlargement of her audience base.
Despite having offers from the UFC and Bellator, Harrison has signed what is termed as a new ‘lucrative’ deal with the PFL and will remain there.
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I'm told it's a done deal.
The PFL had matching rights and matched an offer from Bellator, Kayla Harrison is staying with the PFL on a very lucrative new contract. https://t.co/Q7q9ufsr1y
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 8, 2022
Twitter fans had mixed opinions when it came to Harrison’s decision. Divided between glory by competing at the highest level and money, fans think that the 31-year-old might be compromising on moving her career forward to establish a legacy.
Well, lucrative contract and the easiest 1 milly for winning another belt. Not too shabby. I know she is a competitor and wants to fight the best, but it is what it is. PFL matched.
— Mason J (@SportsRus500) March 8, 2022
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Other fans were not happy with the Olympian taking up a new deal at PFL.
Can’t wait to see her fight nobodies!!!
— K🧞♂️ (@Thekidkdot) March 8, 2022
She needs to stop fighting cans and fight some elite comp or else nobody is going to take her seriously.
— Edward Roybal (@BigEdkillaemcee) March 8, 2022
Another fan reacted in the complete opposite of subtlety while congratulating the PFL champ.
We will never know if she was a good fighter but she got paid more then most to shit kick soccer moms in the minor leagues. Congrats on being a good business women I guess.
— Ricky Spanish (@RickySpanish_V4) March 8, 2022
Kayla Harrison and the MMA matchmaking
Kayla Harrison is one of the most significant names in all of women’s MMA spheres. Dominant and undefeated in the PFL, Kayla Harrison has made it clear that she also wants to conquer other fighters.
She previously stated that she wanted to fight Cris Cyborg before challenging Amanda Nunes to determine who the female GOAT of MMA is. Despite making statements to challenge herself, she decided to remain back at PFL.
As respectable an organization as PFL may be, Harrison seems to be playing it safe in terms of matchmaking. Sounds pretty smart, although, in terms of establishing a concrete legacy, her options seem bleak.
How would Harrison fare against the likes of Amanda Nunes?
Kayla Harrison may be an established fighter in her promotion. However, when it comes to skill on a relative scale, how would she do against the current UFC featherweight champion?
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First off, Harrison weighs 155 lbs and Nunes 145 lbs. Considering Harrison wants the fight, she would have to drop ten pounds to face the UFC champ. After dropping or increasing weight, the outcomes for fighters have been a lot more drastic.
Highlighting the critical skills that both fighters could use to their full advantage, Harrison’s Olympic Judo skills effectively bring opponents down with strong throws. Nunes, however, a black belt in BJJ, is very likely to overturn Harrison on the ground.
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Apart from the ground game, ‘The Lioness’ has an excellent stand-up game with near-perfect range control using powerful kicks and jabs. Hence, Harrison’s chances look bleak when it comes to defeating ‘The Lioness’. But never say never. It is the fight game, after all.