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Kayla Harrison Retains UFC Bantamweight Title by Submitting Amanda Nunes
Confirmed
In Short: Kayla Harrison retained her UFC bantamweight title by submitting Amanda Nunes with a rear-naked choke in the fourth round of their highly anticipated fight at UFC 334.
Amanda Nunes UFC 2023.
Kayla Harrison down for Amanda Nunes rematch or 'free money' with Ronda Rousey after UFC 334 win. MMA Junkie
Harrison, who was likely leading on the scorecards by the start of Round 4, appeared extremely fatigued but managed to secure the crucial submission.
Nunes, known for her dominance in the sport, had a strong start, hurting Harrison with hard right hands and leg kicks in the opening frame.
Despite Nunes' initial surge, Harrison's judo background allowed her to control Nunes on the mat without landing significant damage in the first two rounds.
In Round 3, Nunes managed to take Harrison down briefly, but Harrison's resilience and strategic approach kept her in contention.
Harrison's determination paid off as she caught Nunes with a front kick, dragged her down, and immediately took her back, securing the rear-naked choke within seconds.
Harrison's victory is particularly impressive given her recent neck surgery and the significant weight cuts she undergoes to compete at bantamweight.
Harrison's post-fight interview with UFC commentator Joe Rogan revealed her disbelief at the outcome, stating, 'I think I'm still in shock...'.
Harrison's journey to this moment is marked by overcoming personal adversity; she has spoken publicly about her history of sexual abuse and the challenges she faced.
The fight between Harrison and Nunes has a complex history, with both fighters training at American Top Team before Nunes left to start her own camp.
Harrison's win solidifies her legacy as one of the most decorated and accomplished combat sports athletes, with a record of 20-1.
Harrison's next steps will be determined by her decision-making process, as she has previously expressed reluctance about making weight cuts, saying, 'Everytime I make weight, I say 'never again'. So we'll see.'
What's confirmed
- Harrison, who was likely leading on the scorecards by the start of Round 4, appeared extremely fatigued but managed to secure the crucial submission.
- Nunes, known for her dominance in the sport, had a strong start, hurting Harrison with hard right hands and leg kicks in the opening frame.
- Despite Nunes' initial surge, Harrison's judo background allowed her to control Nunes on the mat without landing significant damage in the first two rounds.
- In Round 3, Nunes managed to take Harrison down briefly, but Harrison's resilience and strategic approach kept her in contention.
- Harrison's determination paid off as she caught Nunes with a front kick, dragged her down, and immediately took her back, securing the rear-naked choke within seconds.
- Harrison's victory is particularly impressive given her recent neck surgery and the significant weight cuts she undergoes to compete at bantamweight.
- Harrison's post-fight interview with UFC commentator Joe Rogan revealed her disbelief at the outcome, stating, 'I think I'm still in shock...'.
- Harrison's journey to this moment is marked by overcoming personal adversity; she has spoken publicly about her history of sexual abuse and the challenges she faced.
- The fight between Harrison and Nunes has a complex history, with both fighters training at American Top Team before Nunes left to start her own camp.
- Harrison's win solidifies her legacy as one of the most decorated and accomplished combat sports athletes, with a record of 20-1.
What's still developing
- Harrison and Nunes have been circling each other ever since Harrison joined American Top Team, the same gym that helped Nunes become a two-division champion in 2018.
- Eventually, Nunes left ATT and started her own camp, uncomfortable training with someone who was after her dominion.
- Harrison could've retired after undergoing career-threatening neck surgery in January, leaving a legacy for the ages.
- Whether or not Kayla Harrison is the greatest women's mixed martial artist after beating Amanda Nunes is a debate to be had after UFC 334, but there might not be a more decorated or accomplished combat sports athlete on the planet.
- Harrison answered with a leg kick of her own, but finding a way inside was becoming a serious problem.
- The Olympic gold medalist kept feinting and searching for an opportunity to get her hands on Nunes.
- Unfortunately for Harrison, Nunes was making every potential takedown attempt look like a terrible career decision.
- The former champion was controlling the striking exchanges, and Harrison needed something big to change the momentum.
- Nunes started working to bring her legs into play, desperately searching for a way to escape the position.
- However, getting Harrison onto the canvas was proving considerably more difficult than Nunes probably expected.
- Reported & estimated salaries Ciryl Gane defeated Josh Hokit by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) to retain the Heavyweight title.
- However, Harrison only needed Nunes to make a single mistake as she rushed in to lock in the rear-naked choke) at 1:29 of Round 4 to defeat the former two-division champion, solidifying her own legacy in the process.