UFC 307 saw Kayla Harrison pick up the second win of her UFC career over Ketlen Vieira.
A unanimous decision win in Salt Lake City was not enough to please two time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison. Now 18:1 in MMA, the judoka outworked UFC veteran Ketlen Vieira over 3 rounds. Granting her a second victory inside the octagon.
The win had significant implications for Harrison, as it sets her up for a title shot against bantamweight champion Julianna Pena.
Despite the earning the important victory, it was clear that the American Top Team product was not overjoyed by her performance.
Kayla Harrison High Standards and Disappointment
Talking to Megan Olivi after her fight, Harrison explained that she felt like she had let her team down.
“It just wasn’t the performance I was hoping for. I just felt a little flat tonight, couldn’t string stuff together. A little bit frustrated with my performance.” Harrison told Olivi. “You know, my team makes a lot of sacrifices. Everyone really puts in a lot of effort in order for me to to be here, so I just I feel like I let them down a little bit.”
The no.3 ranked bantamweight went on to explain what she thought went wrong, despite picking up the win.
“I felt really good once I was on top, it was more just being able to open up and unleashing. For whatever reason I wasn’t able to do that tonight, as much as I want to. I know I’m my own harshest critic, but I have to be the best on my worst day.”
Harrison elaborated on this by referring to the altitude in Salt Lake City, saying that she “definitely” didn’t feel as sharp as she usually feels.
Self-critique aside, it was clear that she was happy to pick up the win and set up her shot at the title.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
