Kayla Harrison makes her UFC debut on the prelims of UFC 300 facing Holly Holm in the womens bantamweight division. The 2 time Olympic gold medallist looks to impress in her debut at 135lbs. There were concerns over Harrison making weight with her walk around weight of roughly 165 and typically competing in heavier weight classes for womens combat sports. However, both Kayla and Holly made weight Harrison weighing in at 136lbs.
Kayla Harrison Submits Holly Holm at UFC 300
UFC 300 marks the UFC debut of Kayla Harrison highly held as one of the best women’s fighters outside of the UFC dominating in the PFL with her grappling. Her opponent Holly Holm seeks to shut down Kayla’s title aspirations in the UFC and show Kayla the difference in the levels between PFL and the UFC.
Harrison looks to get herself ranked in the UFC and get a title shot at 135lbs as soon as possible. Harrison is a 2 time Olympic gold medalist for wrestling and a 2 time Judo world champion. And as such Kayla will be the most qualified grappler Holm has faced since Ronda Rousey. Her path to victory and to the title is simple utilise her high level grappling and size. Although, people have been concerned about the impact of the weight cut on Kayla which is valid but the impact is yet to be seen. But, regardless Kayla has the superior grappling.
Holly Holm looks to defend her position at 135 and send Kayla packing. The Preacher’s Daughter has the striking advantage and experience with the highest level of womens mma fighters generally. However, Harrison has competed at the highest level of wrestling and judo and Holm is in her 40s. Futhermore, the difference in size and grappling ability is substantial. But, if Holm keeps it on the feet she has a very good chance at winning.
What Unfolded?
Round 1 opened with Kayla Harrison pressuring Holly Holm to the fence Kayla getting Holm down after pressing her against the cage. Holm got up but was again taken down against the fence. Kayla proceeded to dish out brutal ground on pround on Holm landing elbows and punches eventually Holm giving up her back. Harrison continued to land big elbows and more ground and pound until round 1 ended. The 2nd round is a repeat with Kayla chucking Holm like a sack of potatoes and Holm in a panic gave up her back and Harrison sunk in a rear-naked choke. Holm tapped instantly after feeling the tight squeeze of the choke. Kayla Harrison has put the bantamweight division on notice and looks to become the next bantamweight queen.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
