Kayla Harrison to Make UFC Debut vs. Holly Holm at UFC 300, Dana White Says

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJanuary 24, 2024

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UFC president Dana White has announced that the promotion has signed two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison, and she will be making her debut at UFC 300 against ex-UFC and boxing champion Holly Holm.

danawhite @danawhiteBreaking News: UFC has signed Kayla Harrison!#UFC300 Holly Holm vs Kayla Harrison pic.twitter.com/jQeLItwQmO

Harrison is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo (2012, 2016) and also won the 2010 World Championships as well. The 33-year-old transitioned from judo to mixed martial artists in 2018, making her debut with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Harrison went 16-1 with six knockouts and six submission wins. She also earned PFL’s lightweight championships in 2019 and 2021.

Holm has an impressive resume herself. She’s best known for defeating then undefeated UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey in Nov. 2015 for her belt. For her MMA career, Holm has gone 15-6 with eight knockouts and one no-contest. She is currently ranked No. 5 on UFC’s bantamweight list. In the boxing ring, Holm went 33-2 with three draws, winning light welterweight and welterweight titles along the way.

Harrison and Holm will be squaring off in a 135-pound bantamweight fight. Harrison will be making her debut in the weight class, per White.

UFC 300 is set for April 13 in Las Vegas.