UFC champion Kayla Harrison dismisses potential Ronda Rousey comeback fight as 'free money'

Kayla Harrison continues the legacy of elite judokas dominating the UFC women's bantamweight division. When the UFC debuted female fighters in 2013, it featured the Olympic bronze medalist and former Strikeforce champion, Ronda Rousey, who quickly became a force in the sport. The UFC Hall of Famer retired from MMA in early 2017 and showed little interest in returninguntil recently, when she began sharing training videos online.

A recent, unverified report from BoxingScene linked Rousey to a possible boxing bout against pound-for-pound star Katie Taylor. Other rumored matchups have included a high-profile fight against fellow pioneer Gina Carano. Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, currently holds sway over the division that Rousey once dominated.

On The Ariel Helwani Show Monday, Harrison addressed the speculation about a potential fight with Rousey. Thatd be some free money, she said in an interview with Uncrowned, clarifying that she and Rousey are not friends. Who is she going to fight? Shes not going to fight Katie Taylor in boxing. If you said MMA, Id say OK.

Their shared history traces back to their judo careers. Both trained at Jimmy Pedro's Judo Center in Massachusetts during their early development and even lived together briefly before the 2008 Olympics. Harrisons move from her Ohio training base came after enduring sexual assault by her former coach, Daniel Doyle, from ages 13 to 16. Doyle was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison for his crimes.

While Harrison missed the 2008 Olympic team, Rousey captured a bronze medal. Harrison later won gold in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. She recalls facing Rousey in two official judo matches during their early careers, losing both times, which adds an ironic layer to the idea of a future MMA fight between them. Sometimes I cant even write [it]. Its too poetic, Harrison remarked. She added that discussions among fans often reference Rouseys earlier wins, but Harrison highlighted her personal challenges at the time, saying, I was 13 and being molested. She beat me. Im woman enough to admit when I get beat. She beat me.

Although a Harrison vs. Rousey matchup remains unlikely, Harrison is focused on achieving what Rousey could not in her final fight: defeating Amanda Nunes. At UFC 207 in December 2017, Nunes ended Rouseys career with a 48-second knockout, beginning her own championship dominance with nine wins in ten title fights before retiring in June 2023.

Now returning from retirement, Nunes will challenge Harrison for her title at UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas. This bout marks Harrisons first title defense and will also inaugurate the UFCs new broadcasting era under Paramount and CBS. Following a $7.7 billion deal, these networks will carry UFC events for the next seven years.

Author: Sophia Brooks