Kayla Harrison’s journey in MMA has been nothing short of spectacular. From Olympic judo gold to PFL dominance, she’s been a force to reckon with. But her recent move to the UFC has stirred up quite a storm. PFL founder Donn Davis isn’t holding back his feelings about her transition from the PFL to the UFC either.
Davis expressed his disappointment in Harrison’s decision to jump ship. He believed that she missed out on career-defining fights in the PFL. The PFL founder didn’t mince words when discussing Harrison’s departure. He suggested she was “running” from legacy-building matchups in the PFL.
“I’m disappointed that we couldn’t keep Kayla here for, what I think, are the two biggest fights of her legacy [Avenging loss to Larissa Pacheco and fighting Cris Cyborg]. I don’t like that she ran from those. I don’t like that she ran to a brand to validate herself,” said Davis via MMA Today.
Harrison’s potential rematches with Larissa Pacheco and Cris Cyborg were certainly mouth-watering prospects. These fights could’ve cemented her legacy as an all-time great. Instead, she chose to test herself in the UFC’s shark-infested waters. It’s a bold move.
Davis’s comments about Kayla Harrison seeking brand validation are particularly interesting. Is the UFC logo really that powerful of a draw? For many fighters, the answer is a resounding yes. The UFC is the NFL of MMA, after all. And the conception still stands that the UFC has the best there is to offer in MMA.
Kayla Harrison Shuts Down Juliana Pena’s Comments
Harrison’s arrival in the UFC has certainly stirred the pot. The two-time Olympic judo champion is making waves in the bantamweight division. But not everyone is rolling out the red carpet for her. Former champ Julianna Peña had some choice words about Harrison’s rapid rise.
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Pena suggested it was unfair for Kayla Harrison to get a title shot so quickly. She claimed beating a 45-year-old (Holly Holm) shouldn’t fast-track anyone to the belt. But Harrison wasn’t about to take this lying down.
“I just think it’s bullshit. Like it would be one thing if I was hyped and I didn’t have the accolades to back it up. But, you know, I’m a two-time Olympic champion. I’m 17-1 in my MMA career. I’m a two time world champion in the PFL…I started judo when I was six years old,” said Harrison via Submission Radio.
Kayla Harrison’s frustration is palpable. She feels that she has proven herself time and again. But the UFC is a different beast altogether. It’s the big leagues, where reputations are made and broken in a heartbeat.
Also Read: Raquel Pennington Intensely Training For Showdowns With Both Juliana Pena And Kayla Harrison
