Kayla Harrison's manager details injury that canceled fight with Amanda Nunes: 'I could have been paralyzed'

Ali celebrates Kayla's victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/aliabdelaziz

With the news of the cancellation of the duel between Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison , originally scheduled for next Saturday (24), Ali Abdelaziz came to the public this Tuesday (20) to give details regarding the injury of the American. In an interview with ' Submission Radio ', the manager stated that the injury to the neck of the current bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) was impossible to resolve without surgery.

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According to the businessman, although the injury resolved without major problems after the surgical procedure, the medical prognosis was frightening. He also highlighted the Ultimate's support in caring for the Olympic champion.

"The UFC flew her to New York, and the doctors said she needed surgery immediately, otherwise she could become paralyzed. But, right after the surgery, all the pain disappeared," he stated.

Ali Abdelaziz reveals Kayla Harrison ’s neck injury could have paralyzed her if it wasn't treated in time 😬⚠️

"The UFC flew her to New York, and the doctors said she immediately needs surgery because if she doesn't get surgery, she could get paralyzed. But immediately after the… pic.twitter.com/bczjSbArUD

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 20, 2026

Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes were training partners.

Kayla Harrison face-off with Amanda Nunes at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFCEspanol

Kayla Harrison 's transition to MMA came after an extremely successful career in judo. The American established herself as an athlete at American Top Team. At the time, Amanda Nunes was already emerging as one of the academy's top athletes, being the Ultimate champion in both the bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg) and featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) divisions. The judoka openly spoke about her desire to face the Lioness several times throughout her career. In this context, the Brazilian chose to leave the team and end her career in the sport years later.

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