Kayla Harrison opens up on why she moved away from "Millions of Dollars"

Kayla Harrison, the Olympic gold medalist in judo, has always been a woman of ambition. From the mats of the Olympics to the cage of the UFC, she’s now ready to make her mark in mixed martial arts.

The Long Road to the Octagon

Harrison’s journey to the UFC Octagon has been anything but ordinary. With 16 wins and only one loss in her professional MMA career, she’s already proven her mettle. But the UFC was always the ultimate goal. “The UFC is the best of the best,” Harrison says. “It’s the Olympics of MMA.”

In January, the speculation ended when UFC CEO Dana White announced that Harrison had signed with the promotion. The news was met with excitement and positivity. Harrison’s transition from judo to MMA had been seamless, and now she was stepping into the big leagues.

Kayla Harrison Risking Millions for a Shot at Greatness

But here’s the twist: Kayla Harrison walked away from millions of dollars to take this leap of faith. Leaving behind the security of another promotion, she bet on herself and her team. “It’s a big risk,” she admits. “I haven’t weighed 135 pounds since I was 16 years old.” The weight cut was grueling, but Harrison’s determination pushed her through. “I believe in myself,” she says. “And it’s paying off.”

“I walked away from millions of dollars… It’s a big risk to be here.”
Kayla Harrison says she "took a leap of faith," but believes "it's paying off." #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/m2pxWaWOD6
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 15, 2024

Her debut fight at UFC 300 is against none other than former champion Holly Holm. The stakes are high, but Harrison is unfazed. “I’m all-in,” she declares. “That gets me out of bed in the morning. Every time I think about quitting, every time I think, ‘Maybe I can rest,’ no, I’m all-in.”

Harrison’s judo background brings a unique skill set to the bantamweight division. Her grappling prowess and relentless work ethic make her a formidable opponent. As she steps into the Octagon, she carries the weight of her Olympic achievements and the promise of a bright future.

Kayla Harrison’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. She’s not just fighting for herself; she’s fighting for every dreamer who takes that leap of faith. As the lights dim and the crowd roars, Harrison will prove that sometimes risks are worth taking, especially when greatness awaits.