Kayla Harrison: Carving Her Own Path in MMA
When Kayla Harrison first announced her decision to transition from judo to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA), she was immediately met with comparisons to Ronda Rousey.
As a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, Harrison's foray into MMA was a highly anticipated move, drawing parallels to Rousey's own successful transition from judo to becoming a dominant force in the UFC.
At the time of Harrison's announcement, Rousey had already left a lasting impact on the sport, establishing herself as a global superstar and defending her UFC title six times.
Despite the inevitable comparisons, Harrison remained unfazed, acknowledging Rousey's influence and expressing her respect for the former champion.
"Ronda is a pioneer in this sport," Harrison stated during a UFC 300 media day. "She’s the whole reason I’m sitting here today. I’m not going to take knocks at her, or be insulted by it.
I think the hardest part is that, I’m my own person. We’re just different, but I have a lot of respect for her, and I’m grateful for everything she was able to accomplish in this sport, and to help grow it for women and shatter ceilings."
Harrison's journey in MMA has been marked by her determination to carve her own path while acknowledging the impact of those who came before her. As she prepares to make her UFC debut, she remains focused on building her own legacy and making a significant impact in the sport.
"I’m not comparing myself to anyone or anything," Harrison emphasized. "I’m my own person. I have my own path. I just try to keep walking it every day, one foot in front of the other.
Of course, everyone wants to be a star. The goal is not to be a star. The goal is to be UFC champion and be so good, you can’t ignore me, and then to use this platform to change the world how I want to."
While Harrison acknowledges the inevitable comparisons to Rousey, she is determined to establish herself as a unique and formidable presence in the MMA world.
Her upcoming debut in the UFC against Holly Holm, the same opponent who ended Rousey's undefeated run, serves as a significant milestone in her career.
"Funny enough, Harrison’s UFC career starts against the same opponent that ended Rousey’s undefeated run," the article states. "Holly Holm famously dethroned Rousey in 2015 with one of the most vicious head-kick knockouts in the history of the sport."
Harrison's respect for Holm is evident as she acknowledges the formidable challenge that lies ahead. "I don’t say legend lightly," Harrison said about Holm. "I think it takes a special kind of person to be a UFC champion, to be in the top 10 for so long, to stay relevant and to evolve as much as she’s evolved."
As she prepares for her highly anticipated debut, Harrison is focused on making a statement in the bantamweight division and leaving an indelible mark on the sport. "I watch the division," Harrison emphasized. "I’ve been taking notice. I’ve been keeping my eye on the pulse. They need a new queen."
With her sights set on becoming a dominant force in the UFC, Harrison is poised to make a powerful statement in her upcoming fight against Holm.
Her determination to establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division is evident as she declares, "Court is now in session.
The queen has arrived. Saturday night’s going to be my coming out party. Everyone’s going to be put on notice."
As Kayla Harrison embarks on this new chapter in her career, she remains steadfast in her commitment to forging her own path while honoring those who paved the way for her.
With her eyes set on championship glory and a desire to leave a lasting impact on the sport, Harrison's journey in MMA is one defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
