Kayla Harrison is preparing to fight Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 while staying ready as a backup for the bantamweight title bout between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Peña, showcasing her dedication and readiness to step in on short notice if needed.
Kayla Harrison is set to fight at UFC 307. She’s even ready to step in for a title bout as a backup if needed.
On the same night, she faces Ketlen Vieira in Salt Lake City. Raquel Pennington will defend her bantamweight title against Julianna Peña in the co-main event.
Harrison’s focused on Vieira but plans to stay prepared. “That’s what I heard,” she told MMA Fighting about being a backup. “My mindset is Ketlen Vieira, whoop her ass and be prepared for the unknown.”
“If I have to step in on short notice and fight, I will, absolutely,” Harrison added. “One thousand percent. On 30 seconds’ notice I will step [in].” She’s even willing to fight again if someone gets injured after her bout with Vieira.
Backup fighters are now standard in the UFC. The global pandemic highlighted the need for such measures due to last-minute disruptions like positive COVID tests.
Harrison considered this immediately upon being offered the fight against Vieira. She doesn’t wish harm on Pennington or Peña but knows anything can happen.
“This is fighting. We’re not playing around,” Harrison said. “When you spar, shit happens, ACLs get torn.” She’s ready for a 3 a.m. call from UFC executive Hunter Campbell asking if she can cut an extra pound.
Cutting that extra pound isn’t easy but it’s something she anticipated before joining the UFC roster. Having competed at 155 or 145 pounds her entire career, Harrison had to make significant lifestyle changes to reach bantamweight.
She remains vigilant about her health and nutrition to ensure she makes weight safely. This dedication paid off when she dominated former champion Holly Holm in two rounds at UFC 300.
“I live a very disciplined life,” Harrison said. “But I’m grateful for it. It just kind of makes me more dangerous, more focused.”
Staying on weight now demands more from her than ever before. Yet, it’s a sacrifice Harrison is willing to make to become UFC champion.
“I’m at that point right now in camp where I’m told how much air I can breathe,” she joked. Every aspect of her training is meticulously planned by her team.
Despite talk of future title aspirations, Harrison remains focused on the present task. She’ll discuss potential fights with Pennington or Peña but is truly concentrating on Vieira.
“I mean I’m not overlooking Ketlen,” Harrison emphasized. “She’s a beast.” Being on the same card as Pennington and Peña offers a chance to showcase her skills.
“They’re just going to be like, ‘Oh, that girl didn’t fight for the title? What?’” Harrison said confidently. It’s going to be good.