UFC 316: Kayla Harrison Discusses Weight Cut and Fight Insights

Kayla Harrison, the reigning powerhouse of MMA, is currently dominating the spotlight. In her latest conversation, she dives into the intricacies of UFC 316 and shares her journey—discussing everything from the rigorous weight cut she endured to her upcoming highly anticipated fight against Amanda Nunes.

34-year-old Kayla Harrison made a notable appearance on Babcock’s segment on the “TMZ Sports” TV show, which airs nightly on FS1. This interview comes just days after her remarkable victory against the former champion Julianna Pena in the co-main event, where she achieved a stunning second-round submission victory, solidifying her status in the UFC arena.

During our discussion, we inquired about how she felt after digesting the enormity of her recent accomplishment, particularly given the intense pressure surrounding such a significant milestone in her career.

Kayla reflected on her victory, stating, “It still feels very surreal. Just the fact that it’s something I’ve aspired to achieve for so long, realizing a dream I’ve held onto, feels utterly incredible.” Her excitement is palpable as she acknowledges the significance of reaching this pinnacle in her career.

However, despite her newfound title as the bantamweight champion, Kayla emphasizes that this achievement does not absolve her of daily responsibilities. She quickly transitioned back to her role as a mother, admitting that she was in the “middle of doing laundry” when we spoke, showcasing her commitment to family amidst her professional success.

While tackling everyday chores may not be an exciting venture for most, for Kayla, her children take precedence over all else. She finds joy and purpose in her role as a mother, highlighting that family is her ultimate source of strength.

She expressed, “I feel incredibly blessed to have [Emery and Kyla]. I often reflect on how they are the true prize. The thought of coming home with a UFC belt to an empty house would be devastating. Imagining my life without them is unfathomable. So, yes, they are the real victory for me.”

Regarding her recent fight, Kayla made quick work of Pena, which is an impressive feat considering the formidable skills Julianna possesses inside the UFC Octagon. Her ability to dominate such a dangerous opponent speaks volumes about her preparation and skill.

Reflecting on the bout, she stated, “I know how tough Julianna is; she defeated Amanda. I anticipated 25 challenging minutes and mentally prepared for that intensity.” Kayla shared that her initial success in the fight felt “too good to be true,” highlighting her competitive mindset.

During the first round, Kayla felt she had opportunities to unleash her skills but reminded herself, “25 minutes is a long time. Let’s pace ourselves and be strategic.” She was cautious about her opponent’s potential aggression and remained focused on a well-structured game plan for the fight.

As the fight progressed into the second round, Kayla mentioned that she “kind of lost track of time” until she heard the signal indicating that only 10 seconds remained. At that moment, she decided to go all in and execute her strategy decisively.

In a stunning turn of events, she swiftly executed a Kimura, leading to a submission victory and marking her emergence as the new champion!

One of the most challenging aspects of fight week for Kayla was the grueling weight cut. This marked the first time she had to drop to 135 pounds, a significant adjustment from her previous limit of 136 pounds, and this small difference can have a massive impact on performance.

Kayla emphasized the importance of trust and surrender during this process, asserting, “You have to have faith because it can be uncomfortable, but there’s no way I could do it alone. My mind wanted to give up, and my body was close to breaking. It was all God guiding me through.” Her belief in a higher power has been a source of strength during her toughest moments.

With a week of “relaxing with the kids” behind her, Kayla is now gearing up to focus on her next challenge: Amanda Nunes. This upcoming match is poised to be one of the most significant fights in the history of women’s MMA, drawing immense attention from fans and analysts alike.

She expressed her eagerness to return to training, saying, “I can’t wait to get back in the gym. I have no injuries and feel fantastic. I believe Amanda needs to re-enter the drug testing pool, and I’m ready to face ‘The Lioness.’ I want to compete against the best version of Amanda Nunes possible. The ball is in her court!”