Kayla Harrison’s Highly Anticipated UFC Debut Set Against Holly Holm at UFC 300

After a prolonged period of speculation, Kayla Harrison, celebrated Olympic gold medalist and reigning Professional Fighters League (PFL) competitor, has officially inked a deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). UFC President Dana White disclosed on Tuesday that Harrison’s debut will unfold in a face-off against Holly Holm at UFC 300, scheduled for April 13.

Harrison, recognized as one of the most prominent female figures in mixed martial arts outside the UFC, achieved historic success as the sole American to secure Olympic gold in judo, triumphing at 78 kg in both 2012 and 2016. Following her judo triumphs, she transitioned to professional fighting in 2016 and swiftly emerged as a marquee attraction for PFL.

During her tenure with PFL, Harrison sustained an impressive 15-fight undefeated streak, capturing two lightweight titles. Although she faced her first professional loss against Larissa Pacheco in the 2022 lightweight title bout, Harrison continued to make waves. In 2023, she triumphed over former UFC fighter Aspen Ladd in a catchweight contest.

Harrison’s much-anticipated debut in the UFC will see her shifting to the bantamweight category, necessitated by the apparent discontinuation of the women’s featherweight division following Amanda Nunes’ retirement. While Harrison once competed at featherweight, securing a victory against Courtney King in her Invicta appearance, her upcoming clash with Holm presents a pivotal moment as the bantamweight division evolves.

The Harrison-Holm encounter assumes heightened significance within the bantamweight landscape, particularly as Raquel Pennington recently secured the belt by defeating Mayra Bueno Silva. Julianna Peña, the former champion, is the logical next challenge for Pennington, but a victorious debut for Harrison against Holm, presently ranked fifth in the division, could position her favorably for a title opportunity.

The addition of Harrison to the UFC 300 card amplifies the event’s allure, which was already brimming with high-profile matchups. The Las Vegas spectacle will now feature:

• Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan (women’s strawweight)
• Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway (lightweight)
• Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan (lightweight)
• Jiří Procházka vs. Aleksandar Rakić (light heavyweight)
• Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbrandt (bantamweight)
• Calvin Kattar vs. Aljamain Sterling (featherweight)
• Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage (middleweight)
• Jim Miller vs. Bobby Green (lightweight)

This stacked card features nine current or former UFC titleholders, alongside emerging stars and a historic number of accomplished athletes, solidifying UFC 300 as a landmark event in the promotion’s history. Zhang Weili will defend her strawweight belt against compatriot Yan, and Justin Gaethje will put his symbolic “BMF” title on the line in what promises to be an unforgettable night of elite combat sports.