Kayla Harrison, despite battling an infection and visiting the hospital days before UFC 307, never considered withdrawing from her fight against Ketlen Vieira, ultimately winning by unanimous decision and expressing eagerness to improve and face Julianna Peña for the title.
Kayla Harrison never even considered pulling out of UFC 307, despite a last-minute hospital visit just days before her fight against Ketlen Vieira. The two-time Olympic gold medalist faced an infection requiring antibiotics. Yet, she was resolute in her decision to fight, refusing to blame her illness for the bout going to a decision after vowing another vicious finish.
“I don’t really like to make excuses,” Harrison told MMA Fighting. “I had to go to the hospital last week. There was blood in my urine. I had a really bad infection that started spreading. I was on antibiotics.” She continued, emphasizing that these weren’t excuses. “I have to be the best in the world on my worst day.”
Even not feeling her best, Harrison largely dominated, securing a unanimous decision victory and moving to 2-0 in the UFC. She wanted to make a statement but learned much about herself and how she needs to prepare for future fights.
“After 12 weeks of eating like air and prayers, no, we were going to find a way [to fight] come hell or high water,” she said. Despite everything on the line, she’s grateful for the win but eager to return to the gym. There’s much she wants to improve on—this fight will help her grow.
Outside the cage, Harrison reflected on personal decisions, admitting she may have overeaten post-weigh-in due to hunger. “I felt kind of sick on Saturday because I ate too much,” she confessed. Staying disciplined is crucial even after weigh-ins; following the game plan is vital.
Harrison has demolished much of her competition over the years, including former champion Holly Holm in her UFC debut. Expectations are sky-high when she competes. But overcoming adversity against Vieira and still winning was what mattered most.
“It was good for me,” Harrison said. “If every fight is easy, then when you get to the hard fights, you don’t trust yourself.” She knows how tough she is and believes it’s beneficial she overcame adversity on Saturday.
After her victory, Harrison watched Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Peña for the women’s bantamweight title. With interest piqued by her potential next opponent, she saw Peña claim a controversial decision win, becoming a two-time UFC champ.
“I think I missed the first round but I also had it going Raquel’s way,” Harrison remarked about the decision. “Every single journalist had it for Raquel.” She expressed surprise at Peña’s win and sympathy for Pennington.
“No [I wasn’t impressed by Julianna],” Harrison stated candidly. Not intending to talk trash but seeing little growth since Peña’s fight with Amanda Nunes. Still, acknowledging Peña’s toughness: “She’s tough as nails.”
With Peña wearing the belt again, Joe Rogan asked about her next fight while cameras captured Harrison’s reaction backstage. Much to her disappointment, Peña didn’t mention her name but called out retired Amanda Nunes instead.
“I mean I think that kind of speaks volumes,” Harrison commented on being dismissed by Peña at that moment. She’s ready to fight and hopes for a title shot soon.
Harrison repeatedly stated indifference toward who won the co-main event as long as she got the winner—but she’s excited about silencing Peña once and for all.
“I just think stylistically, I’m a nightmare for her,” Harrison said confidently. Acknowledging everyone’s tough at this level of sport but believing she’s the best in the world—a tough fight for anyone facing her.