- Kayla Harrison defeated Holly Holm in her promotional debut at UFC 300
- The 33-year-old dominated the former champion before securing a rear-naked choke.
Kayla Harrison announced her arrival in a big way by defeating Holly Holm at UFC 300.
The 33-year-old entered the octagon as one of the most anticipated signings for the promotion in recent years.
Before signing with the UFC, Harrison had transferred a decorated career as an Olympic judoka to a dominant career in the PFL, and was twice crowned winner of the promotion’s lightweight tournament.
Making his bantamweight debut against Holm. Harrison embarked on a major body transformation prior to his UFC debut to reach the 136-pound weight limit.
Harrison wasted little time engaging in the fight after the opening bell, but a deft reversal at the start of the first round had her on her back.
Kayla Harrison defeated Holly Holm to get her UFC career off to a winning start
The former PFL champion combined relentless foot pressure with her patented grappling skills.
However, Holm was unable to press her advantage and after returning to her feet, Harrison took control of the action, combining a series of foot strikes with her world-class grappling.
After once again securing a takedown in the second round, Harrison transitioned to Holm’s back for a rear-naked choke to cap off a dominant performance and put the bantamweight division on notice.
Speaking inside the cage after his first UFC win, Harrison told Joe Rogan that he sees himself winning the belt by the end of the year.
‘I’ve been waiting a long time to talk to you, Joe!’ She said.
‘I was surprised that she assured me and turned me around, Holly is a legend of our sport, God bless you and your family, it was an honor to share the octagon with you.
Harrison forced Holm to the canvas in the second round, landing heavy blows before securing the finish via submission.
‘I want my title next, that’s why I came here. At the end of the year I will be UFC champion.”
Amanda Nunes has loomed large in the division she’s reigned for nearly a decade since announcing her retirement last summer, and Harrison’s performance clearly caught her attention when she shared a video on social media.