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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Farah Hannoun

Kayla Harrison shares first words about UFC signing: ‘My time is now’

Kayla Harrison is excited to test herself in the UFC.

In a surprise announcement by Dana White, two-time PFL champion Harrison signed with the UFC and already has her octagon debut set. Harrison (16-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) takes on former UFC champ Holly Holm (15-6 MMA, 8-6 UFC) in a bantamweight bout at UFC 300 on April 13 in Las Vegas.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka took to Instagram to express her excitement and share a teaser video.

“When I started competing, my goal was to be the best…the Olympic champion of #MMA. The @UFC presents me with the opportunity to be just that. It’s been an amazing journey to reach this point, and I’m grateful for every step along the path. The highs and lows have all shaped me and made me an even better version of myself. God’s timing is perfect, and I am sure of one thing: My time is now. Let’s goooooo! 🦄.”

Harrison opened up as a big favorite against Holm. Having competed at lightweight and featherweight throughout her MMA career, Harrison will attempt to reach 136 pounds for the first time.

Her most recent outing came November at the 2023 PFL World Championship where she defeated Aspen Ladd by unanimous decision. Harrison’s only career loss came in a big upset to Larissa Pacheco in the 2022 PFL Championship final.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.

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