Two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and former PFL lightweight champion Kayla Harrison was opened up about the extreme challenges he faces in weight cutting as he prepares for a UFC title fight. Harrison’s journey in combat sports began with judo, where he competed for 78 kg (172 lbs) and continued in the PFL at 155 pounds. When she moves to the UFC, she has to create a 135 pound bantamweight limit despite her natural weight being about 165 pounds.
Kayla Harrison shares the struggle to create weight for the UFC
Kayla Harrison described the process as harsh and stating. “When I competed in judo, I competed at 172 pounds of 78 kg. Then when I moved to MMA, I competed at 155 pounds. I signed with the UFC.
She characterized Kat as “torture,” saying, “it’s a very lonely process. It’s a mental shatter that’s far more difficult than I expected. It’s definitely not healthy. Don’t do this, kids. My team isn’t easy.
After retiring from judo with two Olympic gold medals, she moved to MMA, quickly establishing herself as the dominant force of the PFL, winning two women’s lightweight championships. Kayla Harrison joined the UFC in 2024 and made her debut with a victory submitted to former UFC 300 champion Holly Holm, and placed herself as the top contender in the women’s bantamweight division with a unanimous decisive victory over Ketlen Vieira. Reigning champion Juliana Pena is next.
In a recent social media post, Harrison said: “Moment of Transparency: My weight cut became a fight before the fight. But I learned to embrace every part of the journey. It’s just under five weeks until UFC 316. Thank you. Thank you for coming here. Saturday, June 7th in Newark, New Jersey.”
Kayla Harrison’s move to the UFC was seen as a major change in her career, and her debut with Bantamweight surprised many due to the dramatic decline she needed. Harrison focuses on her title ambitions despite risks and health concerns raised by experts and former fighters. She is aiming to add a UFC belt to her already decorated career, facing Julianna Pena at UFC 316 in Newark.
