Kayla Harrison recently made headlines after her fight at UFC 307. Despite securing a unanimous decision victory over Ketlen Vieira, her performance raised eyebrows among fans and analysts. They expected a one-sided domination from the two-time Olympic Judo gold medalist. But what many didn’t realize was the harrowing health struggle she endured leading up to the fight.
In a candid interview with TMZ Sports, Harrison revealed that she experienced serious health issues stemming from a demanding weight cut. She is not naturally a 135-pounder but has to make weight to compete. She even shared that she was “peeing blood” in the days before the fight.
“I don’t like to make excuses. I had to go to the hospital the week before. I was like peeing blood, and there was some stuff going on. So, I don’t like to make excuses, but I definitely wasn’t my best inside the cage Saturday night.”
Kayla Harrison’s weight cut to the bantamweight limit of 135 pounds has been a contentious topic. Moving down from the lightweight division was no easy feat for her. Many fighters struggle with weight cuts, but Harrison’s experience seemed especially tough. It’s a brutal process that can affect performance, as she found out the hard way.
Although she emerged victorious, she had to dig deep, enduring bruising and a gash on her forehead. The fight tested her resilience, but she managed to assert her dominance as it progressed. Her ability to adapt under pressure showed her fighting spirit.
Kayla Harrison Revealed Having Suicidal Tendencies As A Teenager
Harrison has made a name for herself in the MMA world, but her journey hasn’t been easy. Before she became a two-time Olympic judo champion and a successful fighter, she faced intense personal struggles. Her early life was marked by trauma, loss, and overwhelming emotions.
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In a past interview with TMZ Sports, Kayla Harrison opened up about her past. She revealed that as a teenager, she felt very suicidal as she grew up in a troubled environment. Her father’s suicide and her sister’s battles with addiction cast a long shadow over her childhood.
“There were points when I was a teenager where I wanted to die, I did not want to be on this earth anymore. I don’t take this for granted, I look back at my life and I was hopeless and helpless and couldn’t see a path out of it.”
Yet, through it all, she found resilience. Kayla Harrison channeled her pain into her sport, turning her life around. Now, she’s not just a fighter; she’s a role model. Her journey highlights the importance of mental health, especially in high-pressure environments like combat sports.
Also Read: PFL Founder Expresses Disappointment In Kayla Harrison For Leaving To Join UFC ‘Brand’
