Kayla Harrison hits back at MMA legend who advised her to retire rather than fight Amanda Nunes

Kayla harrison is the new UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Aware of the controversial speech of Demetrious Johnson about his fight against Amanda nunes, Kayla harrison avoided creating a climate of rivalry with the MMA legend. Although the veteran suggested that the judoka retire instead of fighting the Brazilian, the American highlighted her compatriot's freedom of expression.

“I mean, everyone is entitled to their opinion. He gets paid to give his opinions, so fair enough to him. I live my life out loud, and so there’s a lot of room for people to have their own thoughts and speculate or comment on my life and my choices. But I think it’s important for people to know that I believe in myself, and I think it’s important for people to know that it’s okay to believe in yourself. Like, how dare you tell me to think less of myself? I’m the best and I’m going to prove it,” Harrison told MMA Junkie.

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Finally, Kayla stated that she is a fan of Demetrious, despite not knowing him personally.

“I’ve never met the guy [Demetrious]. I’m a big fan of his. I’ve been a fan of his for a long time. I’ve always considered him — I mean, he was my GOAT for a long time. So, whatever. It’s none of my business what people think of me,” he concluded.

Amanda nunes e Kayla harrison facing the UFC 316 (Photo: Instagram/UFCEspanol)

New bantamweight champion Kayla challenged Amanda nunes for the first title defense and generated great repercussion in the sports community. At the time, Demetrious declared favoritism to 'Lioness' and asked that both preserve their respective legacies in the sport.