PFL women’s lightweight champion Kayla Harrison enjoyed a first in her career with her widely-publicized free agency process, but she doesn’t want to repeat it. Harrison was in talks with the UFC, Bellator, and the PFL for the past few months regarding her next MMA venture. Despite hopes from some fans that she would make…
PFL women’s lightweight champion Kayla Harrison enjoyed a first in her career with her widely-publicized free agency process, but she doesn’t want to repeat it.
Harrison was in talks with the UFC, Bellator, and the PFL for the past few months regarding her next MMA venture. Despite hopes from some fans that she would make the move to the UFC, she opted to stay at home and re-sign with the PFL.
Harrison will make her 2022 PFL season debut this Friday night against Marina Mokhnatkina in the PFL 3 main event. She’s looking to become a three-time PFL champion after defeating Taylor Guardado in last year’s championships.
During her PFL 3 pre-fight media day press conference, Harrison explained just how much of a relief it is to focus on fighting and put the business side of the sport in the rear-view mirror.
“Obviously, free agency was a little bit chaotic, and up and down, highs and lows. I will tell you that I never wanna be a free agent again. Ever,” Harrison told MMA News and other media. “I’m the type of person who… I need a goal, I need something to wake up for. I need that bit in my mouth. So going that long without a fight, without a contract was a bit frustrating for me. Just draining and exhausting.
“So, to be back doing what I love is the most important thing. I get to do it with the company that I believe in and they believe in me I think. We’ve already done great things, we’ve already shattered ceilings, and I feel like we’re going to do even better things in this next contract.”
Harrison had been linked to a potential matchup with Cris Cyborg in Bellator before ultimately returning to the PFL. She had also been connected to a superfight against Amanda Nunes in the UFC before Nunes lost the title to Julianna Peña at UFC 269.
Harrison hasn’t closed the door on a fight with Cyborg happening down the line, but for now, she’ll look to continue to dominate the competition in the PFL. She has GOAT aspirations and knows that wins over Cyborg and Nunes will without a doubt give her that moniker.
While Harrison enjoyed the added attention as we all naturally do, she’s glad to focus on continuing to develop her game and be one of the biggest stars in women’s MMA today.
Do you think Kayla Harrison will ever fight in another promotion?
Kayla Harrison still has time to troll an inter-promotional rival Cris Cyborg ahead of her PFL season debut tomorrow night. At PFL 3, Kayla Harrison will set off on her quest to three-peat as the PFL lightweight “queenpin” when she takes on 6-2 Marina Mokhnatkina. It wasn’t long ago that many fans didn’t think we’d…
Kayla Harrison still has time to troll an inter-promotional rival Cris Cyborg ahead of her PFL season debut tomorrow night.
At PFL 3, Kayla Harrison will set off on her quest to three-peat as the PFL lightweight “queenpin” when she takes on 6-2 Marina Mokhnatkina. It wasn’t long ago that many fans didn’t think we’d see Harrison compete in the PFL again at all after word spread about both the UFC’s and Bellator’s interest in acquiring her services.
Should the judoka have signed with Bellator, there was only one fight that everyone would have instantly clamored for, that against the self-proclaimed “fucking legend” and reigning Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champion, Cris “Cyborg” Justino.
Prior to her most recent victory at Bellator 279 over Arlene Blencowe, Cyborg wore a t-shirt with the aforementioned phrase “fucking legend” attached in big, bold letters.
Wednesday, as Harrison attended her own pre-fight media day scrum, she shared her adaptation of Cyborg’s fashion arrangement while also sending a message to her hypothetical rival.
Naturally, Harrison was asked about her t-shirt that read “Legend Killer,” and here is how the Olympic judoka responded:
“I don’t know. I just heard a lot of people are calling themselves ‘fucking legends,’ so…” she stated sarcastically.
Harrison Claims She Had Agreed To Fight Cyborg In Hawaii
Later in the media scrum, Harrison was asked directly about Cyborg and the comments she made about knowing that Harrison would re-sign with PFL.
Harrison finds that to be an interesting piece of information given that she herself didn’t know. In fact, at one point, she claims things were going in the opposite direction that was leading straight to a fight against Cyborg in Hawaii instead of the Blencowe rematch.
“I mean, I think it’s funny that she ‘knew’ because I accepted a contract with Bellator to fight her on April 22nd in Hawaii, and PFL matched the offer.
“And there was no negative things towards the PFL or anything like that. I’ve made it very clear that I want to test myself against the best while they’re the best. PFL had the right to match; they did. I’m super happy with the contract, I’m super-happy being back home, I’m excited for this season, I think next year we’re gonna do really big things, but my focus, for now, is Marina Mokhnatkina,” Harrison said.
Indeed, Harrison will be taking on Marina Mokhnatkina in her season debut tomorrow night on ESPN. And one person who will likely be tuning in is the “fucking legend” herself, Cris Cyborg.
What are your thoughts on Kayla Harrison’s fashion dig at Cris Cyborg?
According to two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison, whether you love her or hate her, you’ll be thanking her soon enough. After months of gossip and rumors surrounding her future and period of free agency, Harrison is set to re-enter the Professional Fighters League cage this Friday, May 6. Beginning her campaign for a third dose…
With that in mind, and the perceptions about the level of competition available in the unique PFL organization, some believe that this year’s women’s lightweight season will end with an inevitable third title for the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
“Because this is history in the making. Because I’m gonna be so good that you can’t ignore me,” said Harrison. “And because, one day, you’re all gonna look at me and say, ‘Holy shit, she did everything she said she was gonna do, and I missed it ’cause I was talking shit and trolling her, and doubting her.’”
Harrison believes she’s building a legacy that will be forever remembered in the sport. For that reason, she insists that fans will be thanking her down the line for her “amazing” journey in MMA.
“Don’t miss (it). Love me or hate me, but watch it right now.
“In a couple years from now, you can all say, ‘Thank you Kayla. Thank you for that amazing legacy, that amazing career. Pure domination and just total badassery. We salute you,’” concluded Harrison.
Another championship and $1 million is the immediate goal, but for Harrison, legacy is the name of the game. It’ll be intriguing to see how she decides to pursue that following the culmination of the 2022 PFL campaign.
Kayla Harrison knows deep down that one day she’ll share the cage with Cris Cyborg. Harrison is a two-time PFL women’s lightweight tournament winner, and is undefeated in her mixed martial arts (MMA) career at 12-0. The 31-year-old Olympic gold medalist has drawn a lot of comparisons to the likes of former UFC champion Ronda…
Kayla Harrison knows deep down that one day she’ll share the cage with Cris Cyborg.
Harrison is a two-time PFL women’s lightweight tournament winner, and is undefeated in her mixed martial arts (MMA) career at 12-0. The 31-year-old Olympic gold medalist has drawn a lot of comparisons to the likes of former UFC champion Ronda Rousey.
With that, there has also been a ton of talk about a dream matchup between Harrison and Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg. Speaking to MMA Underground recently, Harrison was asked if she saw Cyborg’s most recent outing against Arlene Blencowe.
Cyborg bested Blencowe via unanimous decision after five rounds. It was the first time since Felicia Spencer in 2019 that an opponent wasn’t finished by Cyborg inside the cage. Harrison admitted that she didn’t see the fight, and it might have something to do with her feeling that it should’ve been her fight.
“I didn’t watch it,” Harrison said. “I’m going to, though. I’m in camp, I’m tired, my kids wake up at 6:00 am, it’s really late, and probably a little bit subconsciously I was probably like ‘f*ck that fight.’
“If I’m being honest. There was a point during free agency where I thought I was going to be fighting Cris Cyborg on April 22 in Hawaii. So no, I didn’t watch it.”
Despite the fact that the two women currently fight under different promotional banners, Harrison knows she’ll meet Cyborg inside a cage one day. And when that day comes, they’ll find out exactly who is the better fighter.
“I already know who Cyborg is and what she is,” Harrison said. “She’s a f*cking human being just like me. When we fight, we’re going to step into the cage and find out who is better at MMA. That’s it.
“That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to find out who is a better fighter. I already know she’s a human. She’s not Godzilla, she’s not King Kong, she’s just a fighter.”
PFL women’s lightweight champ Kayla Harrison has revealed that she has no interest in pursuing the fame that comes with being one of MMA’s biggest female stars. In the past year, Harrison’s star has risen to stratospheric heights as she continues to dominate her opponents in spectacular fashion. The two-time Olympic judo gold medalist remains…
PFL women’s lightweight champ Kayla Harrison has revealed that she has no interest in pursuing the fame that comes with being one of MMA’s biggest female stars.
In the past year, Harrison’s star has risen to stratospheric heights as she continues to dominate her opponents in spectacular fashion. The two-time Olympic judo gold medalist remains unbeaten in 12 professional MMA fights and has been touted by many as a possible future women’s GOAT.
Perhaps validating Harrison’s star power more than anything were the many lucrative offers she received while testing free agency earlier this year. The 31-year-old was courted by both Bellator and the UFC, with the latter making a “historic offer” to secure her services. But Harrison ultimately chose to remain in the PFL, inking a multi-year deal that, according to her manager Ali Abdelaziz, makes her “the highest-paid female mixed martial artist ever.”
Kayla Harrison Says She Isn’t Interested In Fame
During her months testing the waters of free agency, Harrison has revealed that she had plenty of time to reflect on her career. Particularly, on the fame that has accompanied her PFL rise and which beckons in the future. Speaking to MMA Underground, the former judoka says she had an epiphany about what really motivates her to succeed as a fighter.
“I think one of the biggest realizations I had during free agency is that I don’t want to be famous, I just want to be the best,” said Harrison. “And I think that was something maybe I always questioned about myself, like; ‘Do you just want everyone to love you? Like, is this a popularity contest for you? Do you just want to be a star?’ But I don’t…I don’t, I just want to be the best, and If I never get all the other stuff, I’m OK with it.”
In March this year, the PFL pulled off what many did not expect. Kayla Harrison, arguably MMA’s biggest female star, was persuaded to remain with the promotion despite lucrative offers from both the UFC and Bellator. It was a watershed moment for the PFL, signaling its growing power within the MMA landscape and newfound ability…
In March this year, the PFL pulled off what many did not expect. Kayla Harrison, arguably MMA’s biggest female star, was persuaded to remain with the promotion despite lucrative offers from both the UFC and Bellator.
It was a watershed moment for the PFL, signaling its growing power within the MMA landscape and newfound ability to compete with the big boys. The promotion, which was established upon the ashes of the World Series of Fighting just five years ago, now appears to be on a growth trajectory that could see it soon surpass Bellator as the number two name in MMA.
But if you ask PFL CEO Peter Murray, it already has.
“By a number of metrics, we’re the number two,” he told The MMA Hour earlier this month.
Murray, a former high-ranking executive at the NFL and UFC owner Endeavour Group, believes the PFL’s combination of top talent and broadcast partnerships with the likes of ESPN now make it second only to the UFC.
“How I value it; number one, it’s the quality of the production,” he continued. “Two, caliber of fighters and exciting fights. Three, distribution.”
So, is Murray right in saying the PFL has now surpassed Bellator? And can it ever become as big as the UFC?
PFL CEO Peter Murray awards Kayla Harrison with $1 million for winning the 2021 PFL Women’s Lightweight Tournament (Cooper Neill / PFL)
PFL Fighters Might Be Better Than You Think
Talent development, says Murray, is one of the key focus areas for the PFL. And the promotion’s strategy is to continually inject new talent into its roster.
“What I love about our format, the product’s fresh every year. Forty-five percent of the roster, new fighters,” said Murray on The MMA Hour. “One of the key KPI’s for us is, a minimum of 25 to 30 percent of the roster, to ensure that their rankings are in the top 25 in the sport.”
Perhaps the most notable inflow of talent has been from the UFC. And despite many considering the PFL a step down in competition, it’s not uncommon to see UFC fighters beaten by the promotion’s mainstays.
Former UFC featherweight Jeremy Stephens became the latest this month, losing to Clay Collard in what was an absolute war that surely converted many UFC fans to the PFL. It must be noted, however, that the 35-year-old Stephens is hardly in his prime, having been cut by the UFC after losing five of his last six fights.
But then there’s Anthony Pettis, who after defeating Donald Cerrone and Alex Morono in the UFC, has lost both of his fights since joining the PFL in 2021. Rory MacDonald, both a Bellator and UFC alum, has been similarly tested in the PFL. Additionally, former UFC-turned-PFL heavyweights Fabricio Werdum and Klidson Abreu have found it harder than expected to get their first win in the promotion.
The PFL Is Making Moves To Expand Its Fanbase and Talent Pool
One of the key strengths of the PFL over Bellator, and one that Murray highlights regularly, is the promotion’s distribution through the world’s biggest broadcasters.
In 2019, the PFL followed in the UFC’s footsteps by becoming a broadcast partner of ESPN. But while it’s yet to stage pay-per-view events, Murray says the PFL’s championship event this year will “100 percent” be a pay-per-view event. And next year, he says the pay-per-view structure will expand.
“Then we’ll launch a pay-per-view division in 2023 and we’re working on those details right now, including [signing] some fighters who are in our view and [are of] pay-per-view stature,” Murray told The MMA Hour.
Challenger Series 3 at the Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, Friday, March 4, 2022. (Cooper Neill / PFL)
But perhaps the biggest potential game-changer for the PFL is Challenger Series—the promotion’s answer to the UFC’s Contender Series, which launched this year. Like it’s UFC counterpart, the Challenger Series gives up-and-coming fighters the chance to compete for a PFL contract.
This means they have the chance to potentially make $1 million within a year, thanks to the generous compensation offered by the PFL’s seasonal tournament structure. For many, this is a refreshing change from the remuneration practices of the UFC, who are notorious for paying their new talent relative peanuts.
The Challenger Series hasn’t all gone to plan, however. Earlier this month, it was flagged for suspicious betting activity after the PFL announced that the final event of the series would be broadcast live, but was later discovered to be pre-recorded.
The PFL Aims To Capitalize On MMA’s Growing Popularity
Despite the PFL still lacking several divisions offered by the UFC and Bellator, including middleweight and bantamweight, the promotion seems to have all the ingredients to challenge the big boys. And while Murray believes the PFL has already surpassed Bellator, challenging the UFC’s near-monopolistic hold on the MMA market is another thing entirely.
But Murray believes the PFL will only continue to grow and prosper alongside the UFC, thanks to the ever-expanding global MMA fanbase.
“Our thesis and why we launched the PFL four years ago; there’s room for more than one leader in the sport,” he told The MMA Hour. “600 million fans. This is Nielson data; three years ago, 400 million fans. So, in three years’ time, you have fan growth around the world of 200 million. So, it’s the third-largest fan base in all of sports, behind soccer and basketball, it’s the fastest-growing, it’s the youngest of all major sports in terms of the fans, and half of this fan base is not watching stick and ball sports.”
PHOTO: PFL
Murray says that the PFL’s goal isn’t necessarily to steal fans away from the UFC. By having a tournament-based structure, the promotion is simply offering them a different experience and more fights.
“So [MMA fans are] underserved; they want access to more premium MMA content and fights,” said Murray. “For the PFL, that is simply our business thesis, we’re fulfilling that demand with a quality product, with great fighters, and a differentiated experience.”
