Tag: Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison Opens Up About Traumatic Past And Suicidal Thoughts

Undefeated PFL veteran Kayla Harrison spoke on her past sexual abuse and hitting one of the lowest points in her life. Undoubtedly, Harrison has proven her toughness. Before she was a dominant force in the Professional Fighters League, she crushed the Judo Olympic competition in 2012 and 2016, taking home the gold twice. And it…

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Undefeated PFL veteran Kayla Harrison spoke on her past sexual abuse and hitting one of the lowest points in her life.

Undoubtedly, Harrison has proven her toughness. Before she was a dominant force in the Professional Fighters League, she crushed the Judo Olympic competition in 2012 and 2016, taking home the gold twice.

And it didn’t stop there. Harrison continued her exemplary legacy in MMA and became the PFL Women’s Lightweight World Champion in 2019, and she would go on to win the 2021 lightweight tournament as well.

Kayla Harrison
Kayla Harrison, Photo Credit: Getty Images

Kayla Harrison proves time and time again why she is one of the fiercest competitors in the game by delivering 5 knockouts and 5 submissions in her 12-fight career.

It takes more than just physical capability to be as powerful as Kayla in the cage. It takes a strong mind to put in the effort to be great.

All of her accomplishments justify the strength she has mentally, to grow and forgive a traumatic event of her past. At a young age, Harrison was sexually abused by her coach, and it made her question her will to live.

That dark time forced her to make a decision.

“When I was in my teens, I was suicidal. I didn’t want to live. I got to the point where I was either gonna run away, kill myself, or say something,” she told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour.

Harrison is thankful to herself for mustering the courage to speak out against her abusive coach. He was put away for ten years, released in 2016.

She suffered from PTSD and felt she hit several low points in her life. And although that event was scarring for her, she expressed appreciation for it.

“I’m not sorry. No, I’m grateful because I think that everything happens for a reason, and then I think that I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t gone through that and I wouldn’t be the person I am, the fighter I am, and the survivor I am, the mother I am… the friend I am. I wouldn’t be Kayla if I hadn’t gone through that and I wouldn’t be able to change the world the way I want to if that hadn’t happened to me, ya know?”

Kayla Harrison uses the traumatic experience as a reason to be a better person, instead of allowing it to consume her mind and dig her into a deeper pit of despair.

Her courageous acts and phenomenal performances make her a true inspiration for many people out there. She is living proof that it is possible to change the course of your life and not allow your past to overcome you.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

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Coker On Harrison/PFL: I Hope They Can Find Someone For Her To Fight

Bellator president Scott Coker is questioning Kayla Harrison’s decision to re-sign with the PFL and not sign with either Bellator or the UFC. Harrison concluded her free agency this week when she opted to re-sign with the PFL on a multi-year deal. She also had conversations with the UFC and Bellator before ultimately deciding to…

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Bellator president Scott Coker is questioning Kayla Harrison’s decision to re-sign with the PFL and not sign with either Bellator or the UFC.

Harrison concluded her free agency this week when she opted to re-sign with the PFL on a multi-year deal. She also had conversations with the UFC and Bellator before ultimately deciding to stay loyal to PFL.

Coker and Bellator pitched the top offer to Harrison before the PFL matched shortly afterward.

Some around MMA remain concerned about Harrison’s level of competition in the PFL, despite the league signing former Bellator champion Julia Budd and boxing superstar Claressa Shields. Nevertheless, Harrison remains intent on accomplishing her goals in the PFL and seems confident that the league will bring top talent to face her.

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Coker opined that Harrison could have ongoing issues finding elite competition in the PFL.

“With Kayla right now, I don’t know who she’s gonna fight over there,” Coker said of Harrison. “She’s got to fight the girls that are the dominant girls in that weight class, (who) are Cyborg, to me the greatest female fighter of all time, Amanda Nunes, and then Kayla. She’s growing, she’s doing very well, but she’s got to fight somebody to really showcase that she has that ability to fight at that elite level.

PFL Harrison vs Dandois
Kayla Harrison and Cindy Dandois in their lightweight fight at PFL 6 (PHOTO: Cooper Neill / PFL)

“And that’s why we made a run because Cris Cyborg was like, ‘Look, I’ll fight anybody, and let’s get her on.’ And we said, ‘Hey, that would be a fun fight to promote,’ but listen, it didn’t work out. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t, good for them, but we’re gonna move forward with our business with Cris. We’re in the Cris Cyborg business. I just hope they find somebody to fight Kayla at some point.”

Harrison is getting ready to compete in the 2022 PFL season and will look to defend her women’s lightweight title. Harrison defeated Taylor Guardado for the PFL Championship last October.

Harrison had been rumored to be tied to superfights with former UFC champions Amanda Nunes and Cris “Cyborg” Justino. In addition to Harrison’s new deal, the PFL has announced that they will open a “superfight division” to attract top talent to the league.

Do you think Kayla Harrison made the right move to return to PFL?

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Kayla Harrison Believes GOAT Status Is Still Attainable With PFL Deal

Newly re-signed PFL women’s lightweight champion Kayla Harrison feels she can accomplish her goals in the PFL without joining another promotion. After months of negotiating and hearing offers, Harrison elected to re-sign with the PFL after a lengthy free agency process. She signed a new multi-year deal with the league and is set to compete…

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Newly re-signed PFL women’s lightweight champion Kayla Harrison feels she can accomplish her goals in the PFL without joining another promotion.

After months of negotiating and hearing offers, Harrison elected to re-sign with the PFL after a lengthy free agency process. She signed a new multi-year deal with the league and is set to compete in the league’s upcoming 2022 season.

A big talking point of Harrison’s free agency was her level of competition so far during her 12-0 professional career. She had once been linked to potential matchups with Bellator featherweight champion Cris “Cyborg” Justino and former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes.

But Harrison feels that the league is ready to take the next step and add more talent to the roster amidst her new contract.

During a recent interview on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Harrison reflected on her free agency and what led to her re-signing with the PFL.

“I think there were a lot of contract negotiations, there were a lot of offers, many of them very lucrative,” Harrison said. “Ultimately, the PFL had the right to match any contract offer I received and they stepped up in a big way, and now I’m going to be staying with the PFL. I’m excited.

Kayla Harrison
Kayla Harrison (Image Credit: PFL MMA)

“I talked to [PFL founder and chairman] Donn Davis last night, and he made it very clear to me that the goals I have for myself, the ways I want to challenge myself are still going to be accomplished and the PFL supports me in that 100%. And they’re not afraid to pay big money to get big-name fighters to try to challenge me.”

Harrison’s re-signing with the PFL had reportedly hit a roadblock in recent weeks, but it appears the league turned things around after the brief ordeal. One of her American Top Team coaches, Mike Brown, has also said that he wants to see Harrison get a step up in competition going forward.

Bellator had allegedly offered Harrison the most lucrative deal before the PFL came forward and matched it, securing her re-signing.

Harrison won the 2021 PFL women’s lightweight championship in dismantling Taylor Guardado in the finals. She’s expected to face fierce competition in 2022, including former Bellator champion Julia Budd and potentially, up-and-coming MMA prospect Claressa Shields.

What is your reaction to Kayla Harrison re-signing with the PFL?

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Manager: PFL Deal Makes Harrison Highest-Paid Female MMA Fighter

According to Dominance MMA Management CEO Ali Abdelaziz, Kayla Harrison’s new PFL deal has made her the highest-paid female mixed martial artist in history. After months of speculation and uncertainty, the future of one of the most sought-after free agents in MMA was announced this week. Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and undefeated lightweight…

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According to Dominance MMA Management CEO Ali Abdelaziz, Kayla Harrison’s new PFL deal has made her the highest-paid female mixed martial artist in history.

After months of speculation and uncertainty, the future of one of the most sought-after free agents in MMA was announced this week. Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and undefeated lightweight is set for some more years fighting under the promotional banner of the rising PFL organization.

“I’m happy the free agency is over and I have a fight on the horizon,” Harrison told The New York Post via text. “I’m excited to continue to grow and challenge myself and be one of the highest-paid athletes in the sport.”

And one of the highest-paid athletes she certainly is, if her manager is to be believed.

Per journalist Aaron Bronsteter, Abdelaziz has said his client has shot to the top of the ladder in women’s MMA when it comes to financial gain following the signing of a new lucrative contract.

“I spoke with Harrison’s manager @AliAbdelaziz00, who said ‘the PFL stepped up in a big way and Kayla is now the highest paid women’s mixed martial artist ever. I want to thank everyone who was involved in getting the deal done and in particular, Peter Murray and Ray Sefo.’”

Given that she’s only 12 fights and four years deep into her career, if true, Harrison’s status as the highest-paid female MMA fighter ever is certainly an impressive achievement.

Harrison Will Pursue A 3rd PFL Title In 2022

While a return to the PFL seemed likely a number of weeks ago, a late offer from Bellator seemingly threw a spanner in the works. If that came to fruition, a long-awaited clash between Harrison and Cris Cyborg, who have been going back and forth on social media for months, would have been a possibility.

Unfortunately for Bellator kingpin Scott Coker, his rival for her signature was able to match the offer, thus paving the way for this week’s confirmation.

With her future finally laid out following five months of discussion and a tied-down place on the sport’s rumor mill, Harrison will now turn her attention to what she seemingly does best—destroying her competition inside the PFL cage and capturing gold.

Having previously secured $1 million checks and championship glory in both 2019 and 2021, the Ohio native will be looking for a third successive dose of PFL glory when she returns for the 2022 season.

With the addition of former Bellator featherweight champion Julia Budd to the equation, this year promises to provide the former Judoka with her stiffest tests to date.

Do you think re-signing with PFL was the correct move for Kayla Harrison?

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Kayla Harrison Reacts To Being Blocked By Cris Cyborg On Twitter

The beef between Kayla Harrison and Cris Cyborg has led to the Bellator champion blocking Harrison on Twitter. For months, Kayla Harrison was going through the sometimes difficult ordeal of free agency. That all ended after it was confirmed earlier this week that Harrison has signed a multi-year deal with the PFL. However, Bellator had…

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The beef between Kayla Harrison and Cris Cyborg has led to the Bellator champion blocking Harrison on Twitter.

For months, Kayla Harrison was going through the sometimes difficult ordeal of free agency. That all ended after it was confirmed earlier this week that Harrison has signed a multi-year deal with the PFL.

However, Bellator had been interested in signing Harrison as well. When the prospect of Bellator as a landing spot arose, Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg began to perk up.

Cyborg and Harrison have had many Twitter exchanges in recent months, with Harrison even inviting Cyborg to her gym to have a training/sparring session with her recently. That was not an overly friendly invitation, however, more like a “say this to my face” sort of thing.

Now that Harrison has re-upped with PFL, it seems that Cyborg is done with the talk and blocked her on Twitter.

Cyborg wrote a now-deleted tweet saying, “Tell me you only got 50K followers without telling me you only have 50K…engagement farming is so basic,” and then blocked her. Harrison reacted to this news by again welcoming a fight against the Bellator champion.

“Dang it. I went too far,” she wrote. “Cris please fight me! I won’t use judo just wrestling.”

Following the block, Cyborg explained why she did so, but simultaneously accused Harrison of running from her.

“Nah. I blocked her cause she could have signed with @BellatorMMA and made the fight but didn’t,” Cyborg wrote.

The details of Harrison’s PFL contract are not completely announced, but it is a multi-year contract. With her tied to PFL for the next few seasons, the likelihood that she will ever meet Cyborg in the cage is looking slim. Cyborg is 36 years old and could be nearing the end of a long career that began in 2005.

What are your thoughts on Cris Cyborg blocking Kayla Harrison on Twitter?

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Kayla Harrison Signs New Multi-Year Deal With PFL Ahead Of 2022 Season

Kayla HarrisonKayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is set to return to the PFL for the 2022 season which begins in April – officially penning a multi-year deal with the organization where she has already landed consecutive lightweight tournament wins.  Harrison, 31, completed her contractual obligations with the Professional Fighters League back in October of […]

Kayla Harrison

Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is set to return to the PFL for the 2022 season which begins in April – officially penning a multi-year deal with the organization where she has already landed consecutive lightweight tournament wins. 

Harrison, 31, completed her contractual obligations with the Professional Fighters League back in October of last year, after handing tournament finalist, Taylor Guardado a second round armbar loss. 

Kayla Harrison boasts an undefeated 12-0 MMA record since her transition to the sport in June 2018

In the time since, Harrison has been linked with multiple promotions – most notably potential moves to the UFC and Bellator, with speculations suggesting a fight with UFC champion, Amanda Nunes, or Bellator best, Cris Cyborg.

However, with PFL retaining matching rights, Harrison saw a contract offer from Bellator matched by PFL – with the promotion confirming on Tuesday afternoon that she had penned a new multi-fight deal ahead of the 2022 season which kicks off in April.

“Surprise Surprise… The Queen is Back (crown emoji) @KaylaH (Kayla Harrison)”

Donn Davis, the founder of the PFL confirmed Harrison’s signing to the organization as well this Tuesday afternoon, describing the contract as “historic” for the Ohio native.

“PFL x KAYLA (Harrison) historic new contract,” Davis tweeted. “4 years ago… at Caps game we plotted her path. Today… Kayla Harrison, No. 1 in 155lb and No. 8 in P4P MMA world rankings. Soon… @KaylaH No. P4P (gold medal emoji) (world emoji) (fire emoji). No fighter like her. Authentic. Inspiring. Vulnerable. Baddest. Transcendent.” 

Before her victory over Guardado last October, Harrison, who lifted the 2019 lightweight tournament crown, bested the trio of Genah Fabian, Cindy Dandois, and Mariana Morais en route to the final. 

In tandem with Harrison’s signature, the PFL also confirmed the launching of a ‘PPV Super Fight Division’ in an official press release.

“I am excited to announce the PFl is launching a new pay-per-view super fight division where star MMA fighters will compete on a global stage against the best fighters in the sport,” Peter Murray, PFL CEO said. “Two-time PFL champion, Kayla Harrison, will be fighting in the PFL’s 2022 season starting this April on ESPN networks and will also continue to build her legacy as a main event in the PFL’s PPV Super Fight Division.”