Summary
Kayla promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
It didn't take long for Kayla Harrison to speak out after her withdrawal from UFC 324. Last Wednesday (14), the American, due to a neck injury, underwent surgery and, consequently, was unable to compete in the highly anticipated superfight against Amanda Nunes on January 24th in Las Vegas (USA). As could not be otherwise, the bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) showed herself to be shaken.
Through her social media, Kayla, in her hospital room and with a neck brace, apologized to her rival and fans for withdrawing from the fight and couldn't hold back her tears. The champion's lament is understandable, as the fight was one of the most important of the season and would have marked the return of the Brazilian, who had been retired since 2023.
Following the unfortunate event, the American fighter sought strength in religion to overcome one of the most difficult moments of her career, but, even weakened, she promised to bounce back with the help of her family and friends. At the moment, the UFC has not yet set a new date for the superfight.
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“This is a tough one. Yesterday, I had to have neck surgery here in New York. So, obviously, we’ll have to reschedule the fight. I just want to say I’m so sorry. I’m sorry, Amanda. I was really looking forward to this fight. I just want to thank everyone. The UFC for taking such good care of me, the doctors and the whole team for attending to me and taking such good care of me. I want to thank my mother, who is taking care of my children at home. I want to thank my coaches at American Top Team and my teammates,” said the UFC champion.
“This is the first day of my recovery and the journey back begins now. I don’t know God’s plans. I know He knows this is my dream, so I need to praise Him in the mountains and valleys, so I’m grateful for that. I hope this brings me closer to Him and that He uses this story in a powerful way. That’s it. Sorry, everyone. I’ll be back soon,” she concluded.
Kayla's resume in combat sports
Kayla Harrison , 35, excels in MMA and previously made her mark in judo. In judo, the American won gold medals at the London (ENG) and Rio de Janeiro (BRA) Olympics in 2012 and 2016, respectively. In mixed martial arts, she won the PFL lightweight Grand Prix (up to 70,3 kg) twice, in 2019 and 2021, and became the UFC bantamweight champion in 2025.
In her career in the sport, which began in 2018, Kayla won 19 fights and lost only once. Her main victories were over Holly Holm , Julianna Peña , Ketlen Vieira , and Larissa Pacheco (twice).
Watch Kayla Harrison's statement.
My UFC 324 update. #kaylaharrison #ufc324 pic.twitter.com/p5KDtOpGhk
— Kayla Harrison Official (@KaylaH) January 15, 2026
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Read More about: Amanda nunes, Kayla harrison, MMA, UFC, UFC 324
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