Many UFC fans have heard about the personal struggles fighters face before stepping into the octagon, with some overcoming significant trauma in their lives. From Sean Strickland’s tough childhood to others, there are countless stories of resilience. In a similar vein, Kayla Harrison recently shared the heartbreaking story of the sexual abuse she endured from her first judo coach, shedding light on the personal battles she’s fought off the mat.
During a recent interview on the OverDogs Podcast, Harrison openly shared her painful experience. She revealed that, like many childhood abuse victims, an authority figure—her first judo coach—targeted her. Harrison openly said that the trauma from this chapter of her life deeply affected her for many years. And it took her a long time to heal from the emotional wounds, acknowledging the lengthy and difficult process of recovery.
In her words, “I was s**ually abused by my first judo coach, and when I was 16 I finally told my mom what had been happening. She pressed charges, he spent 10 years in a federal prison, so that’s all good. But it took me years to really recover from that, and when I started getting some press for the Olympics, I started sharing my story.”
Now that Harrison has gained a platform, from winning Olympic medals to reaching the top of the UFC, she has become a powerful voice for those who are battling similar issues. Using her success as a springboard, she is raising awareness and inspiring others to speak out and take action, encouraging those facing similar struggles to find strength and seek help.
Kayla Harrison Calls UFC ‘The Olympics’ of MMA
There’s no doubt that the UFC is the biggest MMA promotion in the world, and for any MMA fighter, competing in the organization is the ultimate dream. Not only does it offer a chance to test themselves against the best, but it also provides the opportunity to earn significant money. Recently, Harrison made an interesting comparison, likening the UFC to the Olympics, emphasizing the level of prestige and competition that comes with being part of such a top-tier platform.
She stated, “Everyone at the UFC really loves their job. It very much feels like the Olympics of MMA to me. It just feels like the big show and I like that.”
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After her disappointing last win, all eyes are now on how she will bounce back. The big question is whether she can return to her dominant form, which has become her trademark.
Also Read: Daniel Cormier Unveils The ‘Greatest’ And Most Defining Moment Of His Epic UFC Career
