Kayla Harrison WINS UFC debut by submitting Holly Holm in second round… as two-time Olympic gold medalist eyes title fight
- Kayla Harrison defeated Holly Holm in her UFC 300 promotional debut
- The 33-year-old dominated the former champion before securing a rear-naked choke
Kayla Harrison announced her arrival in a big way by defeating Holly Holm at UFC 300.
The 33-year-old entered the Octagon as one of the promotion’s most anticipated rookies in recent years.
Before signing with the UFC, Harrison had parlayed a decorated career as an Olympic judoka into a dominant run in the PFL and was twice crowned winner of the promotion’s lightweight tournament.
Making his bantamweight debut against Holm. Harrison embarked on a significant body transformation ahead of her UFC debut in order to make the weight limit of 136 pounds.
Harrison wasted no time engaging in grappling after the opening bell, but a deft knockdown early in the first round saw her fall onto her back.
Kayla Harrison defeated Holly Holm to successfully launch her UFC career
The former PFL champion combined relentless pressure on the feet with her patented grappling skills.
Holm was unable to exploit her advantage, however, and after getting back to her feet, Harrison took control of the action, combining a series of strikes on the feet with her world-class grappling.
After once again securing a takedown in the second round, Harrison moved to Holm’s back to sink in a rear naked choke to cap off a dominant performance and put the bantamweight division on notice.
Speaking inside the cage after her first UFC victory, Harrison told Joe Rogan that she sees herself winning the belt by the end of the year.
“I’ve waited a long time to talk to you, Joe! She says.
“I was surprised she picked me up and knocked me down, Holly is a legend of our sport, God bless you and your family, it was an honor to share the octagon with you.
Harrison forced Holm to the mat in the second round, landing heavy strikes before securing the finish via submission.
“I want my title next, that’s why I came here. At the end of the year, I will be UFC champion.
Amanda Nunes looms large in the division she has ruled over for nearly a decade since announcing her retirement last summer and Harrison’s performance clearly caught her attention as she shared a video on social networks.
