In a groundbreaking announcement made by UFC CEO Dana White on Tuesday night, it was revealed that former UFC women's bantamweight champion Holly Holm is set to square off against two-time PFL women's lightweight tournament champion Kayla Harrison at UFC 300. The bout is scheduled to take place on April 13, marking a significant addition to the already stacked fight card.
Holly Holm: A Legend in Combat Sports
Holly Holm, a true legend in combat sports, was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022. White praised her remarkable achievements, noting that she is tied for the fourth most wins in the history of the UFC women's bantamweight division, with seven victories. Holm also holds the sixth position for the most significant strikes landed (635) and boasts the fourth-best takedown defense at an impressive 78 percent.
Dana White acknowledged Holm as one of the fiercest competitors in combat sports, having faced some of the toughest opponents in both boxing and MMA. Notably, the only challenge remaining for Holm is none other than Kayla Harrison.
Kayla Harrison: Olympic Gold Medallist and PFL Sensation
Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medallist in judo, is set to make her UFC debut with an impressive 16-1 record, including 12 finishes. White highlighted her formidable skills, emphasizing her ruthless takedowns and ground-and-pound abilities. Notably, this will be Harrison's first appearance in the bantamweight division, adding an element of intrigue to the upcoming clash.
Harrison's successful stint in the PFL, spanning 17 fights from 2018 to 2023, culminated in a victory over former UFC fighter Aspen Ladd in November 2023. Despite her dominance, Harrison faced her sole career loss in the 2022 PFL women's lightweight tournament final against Larissa Pacheco, a setback via unanimous decision.
Holm vs. Harrison: A Battle of Titans
Currently ranked as the No. 5 fighter in the official UFC women's bantamweight rankings, the 42-year-old Holly Holm last stepped into the octagon in July 2023. Unfortunately, her bout against Mayra Bueno Silva ended in a no contest after Bueno Silva failed a drug test related to her ADHD medication. Holm holds a MMA career record of 15-6-0-1 and secured the UFC women's bantamweight title in November 2015 with a memorable head-kick knockout of Ronda Rousey.
However, Holm faced a setback in her first title defense against Miesha Tate in March 2016, succumbing to a technical submission. Now, she prepares for an epic showdown against Kayla Harrison, a fighter with an impressive judo background and a hunger for success in the UFC.
As the anticipation builds for UFC 300, fight fans are eagerly awaiting the clash between these two phenomenal athletes. Holly Holm's experience and legacy against Kayla Harrison's Olympic pedigree and dominant run in the PFL set the stage for an unforgettable encounter. The fight promises to be a historic moment in women's mixed martial arts, adding another chapter to the ever-evolving narrative of the UFC.
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