Kayla Harrison: ‘My goal is to be the best mixed martial artist on the planet’

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison returns to the PFL SmartCage on November 24

Kayla Harrison returns to action on November 24, taking on Julia Budd in a featherweight fight at PFL 10.

“My goal is to be the best mixed martial artist on the planet,” said Harrison. “Now it’s time to go out and show that.”

This is Harrison’s first bout since last November, when she suffered the first loss of her MMA career in a bout against Larissa Pacheco. But the two-time Olympic gold medalist has been competing for the past two decades, and she has always been able to reach new heights after suffering defeat.

“I’m no stranger to loss,” said Harrison. “I’ve lost many times in my career before in the biggest stages of the world in my judo. This was my first loss in MMA, and I’m not going to lie, it sucked. But losses are always lessons, and failure is fuel. This was an opportunity to grow and get better, and that’s how I treated it.

“It wasn’t that I didn’t prepare properly. That wasn’t my night. She had more, and so she won. Now it’s time to compete again. I’m invigorated, I’m excited, and I’ve been training with a purpose for the last 10 months.”

With only two fights remaining on her current PFL contract, it is imperative for Harrison (15-1) to showcase her immense skill set. She remains one of the world’s most elite fighters, and there would be considerable interest if she were to test her mettle in the UFC–or if she stays in the PFL, especially considering the possibility of new opponents if the company purchases Bellator.

.@KaylaH and @JuliaBudd 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 in the PFL SmartCage 🔜#PFLWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/DB3j8JWTLk

— PFL (@PFLMMA) September 13, 2023

Right now, her focus is Budd (17-6), who presents a unique challenge. The 40-year-old is a former Bellator featherweight champion, making three successful title defenses until she was dethroned by Cris Cyborg in 2020, but this is a bout Harrison should win.

A victory here would lessen the sting from the loss against Pacheco, who has rattled off three more victories (and nine altogether)–including one against Budd–since defeating Harrison.

“This is an opportunity to compete again,” said Harrison. “I wasn’t sure that I was going to get a fight this year, so the fact that I do is amazing. Julia is a former Bellator champ. She’s one of the old guard, and formidable in her own right, so I’m excited to fight someone of her stature. I’m happy to be able to get back into the cage again.”

The fight taking place at 145 pounds adds a compelling element. Harrison intends to make this weight class her home.

“Not many fights left [for me] at 155, so 145 it is,” said Harrison. “This is where I will be.”

After ripping off 15 straight victories in MMA, Harrison has found a new fire in the cage. The defeat, she admitted, reintroduced her to herself, and she has been grateful to return to the fundamentals in her training that make her such a constant threat in the cage.

Despite the last loss, the future remains bright for Harrison.

“People will see the very best version of me on November 24,” said Harrison. “This version didn’t exist a year ago. I don’t rest on my laurels, I don’t sleep in silk pajamas. I’m constantly pushing myself and constantly working to get better everywhere.

“I’m super grateful for the opportunity. I get to share my joy and passion with the world when I put on a show on November 24.”