Kayla Harrison Responds Gracefully to UFC 324 Main Event Exclusion
Kayla Harrison recently addressed her exclusion from the main event at UFC 324, where her bout against Amanda Nunes will serve as the co-main event. Despite the debate surrounding this decision, Harrison remains unbothered.
UFC 324 Main Event Lineup
The main event will feature Justin Gaethje facing off against Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title. This matchup comes in light of champion Ilia Topuria taking a break. UFC CEO Dana White announced this arrangement during Thanksgiving.
Harrison’s Perspective
In a recent interview on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Harrison stated, “It’s not about me, and it’s not about Amanda. I think it’s about the belt. That should mean something.” Her stance indicates that she prioritizes the significance of the title over her placement in the fight card.
Criticism of the Fight Order
There has been criticism regarding the UFC’s decision to have Harrison vs. Nunes as a co-main event and not the headliner. Many view the interim title fight as a lesser event when compared to an undisputed title clash.
- Critics argue that interim titles shouldn’t headline over established champions.
- Harrison acknowledges the relevance of fight placement but does not let it affect her mindset.
Anticipation for the Bout
Harrison’s matchup against Nunes, a two-time Olympic gold medalist against a fighter heralded as the greatest of all time in women’s MMA, is seen as a significant event. The narrative includes Nunes’ comeback from retirement and their past camaraderie as teammates at American Top Team.
For Harrison, the focus remains on the fight itself rather than its promotional intricacies. “I have been patiently waiting for a date to confirm that this fight is gonna happen,” she said. “The bout order is irrelevant to me.”
Final Thoughts
Harrison’s approach underscores her dedication to the sport. She even humorously mentioned her willingness to fight on the prelims, showing her commitment is to the competition itself, not the limelight.
As UFC 324 approaches, both fighters will undoubtedly bring their best to the octagon, regardless of their positions on the fight card.