Kayla Harrison opens up on UFC switch: ‘My time is now’

It’s official. Kayla Harrison is now a UFC fighter.

The two-time Olympic judo champion, who went on to capture two PFL championships, was thought to have one fight remaining on her PFL deal, and anticipation was high that fans might get the chance to see Harrison go head to head with Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg.

But a deal was done to allow Harrison to leave the PFL, and UFC president Dana White announced that Harrison had signed on the dotted line and would make her Octagon debut at UFC 300, where she’ll take on former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm in a 135-pound bout on April 13.

Breaking News: UFC has signed Kayla Harrison!#UFC300 Holly Holm vs Kayla Harrison pic.twitter.com/jQeLItwQmO

— danawhite (@danawhite) January 24, 2024

Harrison has shared her enthusiasm for her new home, and the tests that lie ahead, via a post on her Instagram page.

“When I started competing, my goal was to be the best…the Olympic champion of #MMA,” she wrote.

“The @UFC presents me with the opportunity to be just that.

“It’s been an amazing journey to reach this point, and I’m grateful for every step along the path. The highs and lows have all shaped me and made me an even better version of myself.

“God’s timing is perfect, and I am sure of one thing: My time is now. Let’s goooooo!”