Kayla Harrison Withdraws from UFC 324, Emotional After Neck Surgery
Kayla Harrison has officially withdrawn from her highly anticipated matchup against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324. This announcement follows her recent neck surgery and has left fans and commentators discussing the implications for both fighters.
Details of Harrison’s Withdrawal from UFC 324
The co-main event of UFC 324, scheduled for January 24, 2026, in Las Vegas, was set to see Harrison face off against Nunes. Unfortunately, Harrison sustained a neck injury, requiring surgery earlier this week in New York City. In a heartfelt video posted to social media, she expressed her disappointment and the emotional weight of her situation. She stated, “This is a tough one… I just want to say I’m sorry.”
Recovery Timeline Uncertain
While the exact timeframe for Harrison’s recovery remains vague, her focus is on rehabilitation. As a reigning champion, her absence from the octagon will be felt, especially as she had been looking forward to this showdown with Nunes.
Amanda Nunes: The Legend Awaits
Amanda Nunes, considered by many as the greatest female fighter in UFC history, was coming out of retirement to face Harrison. Nunes has not competed in over two years but has a storied career. She is a two-weight champion with multiple title defenses.
Nunes has been preparing for the bout by training with Larissa Pacheco, the only fighter so far to defeat Harrison. Their encounter in 2022 resulted in a five-round decision win for Pacheco. Notably, Harrison had previously defeated Pacheco twice.
UFC 324: Event Highlights
- Event Date: January 24, 2026
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
- Headline Fight: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title
- Co-Main Event: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
Harrison’s Performance in the UFC
Since joining the UFC in 2024, Harrison has maintained an undefeated record of 3-0. Her victories include wins over Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira prior to her title shot. She became the second Olympic champion to win a UFC title when she captured the bantamweight championship at UFC 316, submitting Julianna Pena.
As Harrison embarks on her recovery journey, the MMA community is eager to see what the future holds for both her and Nunes. The anticipation surrounding their rescheduled fight continues to grow, as fans hope for a return to the octagon soon.
