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Harrison Submits Nunes to Retain UFC Bantamweight Title
Confirmed
In Short: Kayla Harrison shocked Amanda Nunes by submitting the former champion to retain her UFC bantamweight title in New York.
Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes – FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS! | UFC 334.
Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes – FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS! | UFC 334. Boxing Signal
Kayla Harrison, 36, successfully defended her UFC bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes, 38, at UFC 334 in New York, submitting the former double champion in the fourth round with a rear-naked choke at Madison Square Garden.
Harrison, who had undergone neck and spinal surgery just 10 months prior, demonstrated her grappling prowess by immobilizing Nunes on the canvas and securing the choke at 1 minute and 29 seconds into the fourth round.
Nunes, known as the 'G.O.A.T.' in MMA, was making her first appearance since retiring in 2023 after dominating the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. She started the fight well, landing several straight rights, but Harrison took control on the ground.
Harrison's journey to this victory is marked by overcoming significant personal challenges. She revealed that she was sexually abused at a young age and has since become a two-time Olympic gold medallist in judo and a two-time PFL lightweight world champion before winning UFC bantamweight gold in her third fight.
The fight card was originally scheduled for UFC 324 but was postponed due to Harrison's neck injury requiring surgery. Harrison had not fought in 17 months, making this her first title defense since joining the UFC.
Harrison's grappling advantage and recent training were key factors in her victory. She had been spending the last nine months recovering from surgery and was in better form compared to Nunes, who was coming off a three-plus-year retirement.
After the fight, Harrison expressed mixed feelings about her future in the sport. She mentioned considering retirement due to the difficulties of cutting weight to 135 pounds and acknowledged having some injuries that would require healing.
What this adds
The fight was originally scheduled for January but was postponed due to Harrison's neck injury requiring surgery.
What's confirmed
- Harrison and Nunes were originally scheduled to fight at UFC 324 in January, but Harrison withdrew after suffering a neck injury, leading to the lengthy layoff.
What's still developing
- "I've definitely got some injuries after that fight, I'll need to heal up."
- Afterwards, Harrison reflected on the challenges she's overcome during her career.
- Nunes, known as the 'G.O.A.T.' in MMA, is returning to the octagon after a hiatus.
- The 16-year-old was sent off for a kick out at Harrison Neal following a bruising tackle in the 85th minute of the match, which Arsenal lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
- Nunes, one of just four UFC dual-weight champions, was emerging from retirement after three years out of the cage, and she started promisingly against Harrison.