UFC Women’s bantamweight star Kayla Harrison is quickly rising to the top as the most physically dominant fighter across all women’s divisions. With her impressive height of 5’8” and a weight of approximately 155 pounds, Harrison has already made history in the world of combat sports. But what sets her apart from the rest? Well, she is not just a UFC fighter, but also a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, making her the first and only American to achieve this accolade.
Harrison’s journey to becoming a UFC star is nothing short of remarkable. Born and raised in Ohio, Harrison took up judo at the age of six under the guidance of her coach, Jimmy Pedro. With her determination and hard work, she quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most promising judokas in the country.
In 2012, at the young age of 22, Harrison made her Olympic debut in London and won the gold medal for the US in the 78kg category. This was a momentous achievement not just for Harrison, but also for the US as she became the first American to win an Olympic gold in judo since its inception in 1964. Four years later, she repeated her success at the Rio Olympics, solidifying her place as one of the greatest judokas of all time.
After achieving everything she possibly could in the world of judo, Harrison decided to retire from the sport and pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA). In 2018, she joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and made her MMA debut in June 2019, winning her first fight by technical knockout in the first round.
Since then, there has been no stopping Harrison. With her impressive judo skills and hard-hitting strikes, she has dominated every opponent she has faced in the PFL, proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the UFC. Her latest win against Courtney King in April 2021 was a testament to her strength and skill as she finished the fight with a brutal armbar in the first round.
Apart from her impressive record in the PFL, Harrison has also caught the attention of UFC commentator Joe Rogan. In a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan hailed Harrison as “the most jacked female” that’s not on steroids, praising her incredible physique and strength.
Harrison’s dedication to maintaining her physical and mental fitness is evident in every aspect of her life. She trains tirelessly under the guidance of some of the best coaches in the world, including former UFC champion Amanda Nunes, and follows a strict diet to stay in peak condition.
But despite her undeniable success and impressive physique, Harrison remains humble and grounded. She is an inspiration to many young girls who aspire to achieve greatness in the world of combat sports. Her perseverance and hard work serve as a reminder that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.
In conclusion, Kayla Harrison’s remarkable journey from being an Olympic gold medalist in judo to dominating the UFC is a testament to her determination and skill. She has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports. And with her sights set on becoming a UFC champion, there is no doubt that she will continue to make history and inspire countless others to chase their dreams.
