Latest news with #KaylaHarrison
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former UFC champion officially back in anti-doping program
Former UFC women's two-division champion Amanda Nunes appears set on fighting once again. Nunes, who announced her retirement in 2023, has officially entered back into the UFC's anti-doping program. Nunes was drug tested over the last seven days, as numbers are updated weekly on the UFC's anti-doping website. The results come from random tests, so the exact time of her return to the anti-doping program is unknown. MORE: UFC 318 results featuring Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3 Following a title-winning performance from Kayla Harrison earlier this year over Julianna Pena, Nunes made it known that she was planning to return and look to claim back the bantamweight title. The 37-year-old is the only female fighter to win UFC championships in multiple weight classes. She is also the only UFC fighter to defend two titles in two different weight classes while actively holding them at the same time. Her last fight came in June 2023 at UFC 289 when she defending the bantamweight belt with a decision over Irene Aldana. Nunes lost to Pena in 2021 but earned a victory in the rematch in July 2022. MORE COMBAT SPORTS NEWS: PFL Results: Costello Van Steenis claims title Vitor Belfort, Wanderlei Silva set stage for September bout PFL Hollywood to host pair of tournament finales Special guest to walk Dustin Poirier to UFC 318 Octagon UFC heavyweight scores convincing win, puts on a show PFL Charlotte to feature three title fights
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mailbag: Is Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira actually an ideal headliner for a UFC Fight Night event?
Are heavyweights like Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira actually the ideal formula for a UFC Fight Night main event? What's the best possible outcome of the Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes women's bantamweight title fight? And is MMA really so different from (or better than) professional wrestling? All that and more in this week's mailbag. To ask a question of your own, hit up @BenFowlkesMMA. @shadore66: Are heavyweight perfect main events for fight night cards? Take this weekend: Who cares who wins really, one of these dudes is gonna blast the others face off probably in round 1. There's no bullshit about the number 8 vs number 9 flyweight - just big boys slapping meat Can I be real with you here? Right now you sound like a person who's never sat through 25 uninspiring minutes of heavyweight MMA. I have. It can sometimes feel like you're watching two robots run out of batteries at roughly the same rate. You see them look up at the clock and, my God, there's still three more minutes left in this round and two more rounds to go after that. It's the worst. Advertisement But these two — Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira — do seem unlikely to go that route. If we hear the words 'Round 2' in Saturday's UFC Nashville main event, I'll be both surprised and disappointed. As for the stakes, it does feel like the kind of fight that could be meaningful but only if one guy wins. That guy here is Teixeira. He's a young, undefeated finisher. He's also a massive individual. That's the kind of guy heavyweight could potentially get excited for. Lewis? As much as I love having him around, it feels like we know where he fits and what he's good for by now — and clearly, so does the UFC. @jmprobus: Even with the Pantoja reign, is the current state of Flyweight the most entertaining it's ever been? It just seems like there are more fun & exciting matchups in the top 15 than we are used to having. Just a bunch of dudes who like to f***ing scrap & leave it all in the cage. I think flyweight is sort of like the jazz of the MMA world. Or maybe the modern dance. Which is to say, the nerds who really know and appreciate what they're seeing totally love it. But it's never going to be for mass consumption. There's a ceiling on its popularity, which is a shame but also just a fact of life we might as well accept at this point. Advertisement As mentioned above, you book a heavyweight fight and there are always two options: You might get a quick finish, or you might get a three-round slog that makes you rethink your entire life. But when you book flyweights, it's the closest thing you get to a guaranteed good time in this sport. Is it a shame that they aren't more appreciated? Yes. Do I think that will change now just because there are a bunch of good ones all in the UFC at one time? Not really. @marktooch: How is Royval ranked lower than Moreno after this last scrap? Will anyone buy the max Dustin card? Should fighters be compensated post fight if their opponent pops? This is related to a post by Charles Johnson ✌️ That's a lot, so let me try to tackle these in order: I'm guessing it's because Brandon Moreno has gone 2-0 since they fought, while Brandon Royval has gone 1-1. Head-to-head wins should count for a lot, I agree. But rankings, like MMA judges, tend to remember best what they saw last. Advertisement Yes, I think so. Dustin Poirier is a beloved fighter who seems to have crafted a nearly perfect exit for himself. Max Holloway is a great final opponent, not only because of their shared history but also because he feels like a peer who can deliver a sendoff that's fitting and exciting without being gross. All of that is very rare in this sport. MMA fighters are some of the most underpaid and overexploited athletes in all of pro sports, so I'm all for anything that gets them paid more. The question is, who pays in that instance? The fighter who pops positive? Because by the time the test results come back, he may not even have the money he made from the fight. He may have spent all or most of that just getting to the fight itself. As much as I like the idea of stronger incentives to fight clean (and make the contracted weight), I don't love the idea of pushing fighters into debt. This is already one of the toughest jobs you can do and still emerge from it worse off than when you started. @WorldsWorstHero: If you were not part of the MMA media, what would you be doing as a career? One of my writing heroes, Jim Shepard, used to say that he wanted to be a veterinarian until he found out that the job entailed more than just petting dogs. A naive part of me still thinks I could somehow make that work, though. @logsupacoowacky: Is Harrison vs. Nunes some ploy to have Nunes regain her BW title then Harrison goes up to FW to re-open the division? Will we ever get Women's Atomweight? It feels like we've been stuck in this stagnant Zhang-Shevchenko-Nunes-Harrison loop for 5 years. WMMA is in an odd place. I think if you walked into UFC headquarters and told the matchmakers there was a plan to bring back women's featherweight, they'd jump out of the nearest open window. Even women's bantamweight is struggling for talent right now. So many of the known names there have aged out, and not enough new faces are coming in to keep the division stocked and active and interesting. Advertisement Honestly, I think Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes is an incredible fight that just sort of fell into the UFC's lap. I also think, as much as I respect Nunes as the unquestioned women's MMA GOAT, she has a job of work ahead of her here. The current version of Harrison would have been a tough opponent for Nunes in her prime. But now? Two years removed from her last fight and on the wrong side of 35? I have to say my money would be on Harrison. @BlaowPlaow: This generation of fans seem to have an anti-pro wrestling sentiment anytime we get a bit of theatrics while bemoaning the dull nature of the sport. Isn't promoting fights inherently 'pro wrestling'? As a bonus, tell us about your favorite pro wrestling inspired MMA memories. I think this is sort of like how siblings hate being mistaken for one another — especially when they really are very similar. In terms of business model, the UFC and WWE are practically the same thing. And the stuff MMA fans love — all the drama between fighters, the (often fake) feuds and unlikely friendships, the rises and falls and violent comeuppance — is basically all pro wrestling. The only difference is that the fights here are real and unscripted, which makes them sometimes more boring and predictable but other times more thrilling and unexpected. I think a lot of MMA fans have this sense of superiority over pro wrestling just because they feel like this is a real sport and that other thing is fighting cosplay. But if you look at how MMA actually operates outside of the cage and how things like title shots are decided, you realize the mechanics of this sport have a lot more in common with pro wrestling than they do with pro football. Winning all of the fights isn't enough to make you a champion in this sport. Being the best isn't enough to make you the highest paid. Advertisement MMA is pro wrestling … right up until the cage door closes. I wish we could make our peace with that. And after watching Seth Rollins walk out with a flamethrower at WrestleMania, I wish we could have a little bit more of that kind of fun — prior to the closing of the cage door.
USA Today
02-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
New champ Kayla Harrison tops UFC's 2025 ESPY Award nominees
Nominees for the latest ESPY Awards were announced this past week, and once again MMA will be part of the ceremony. Starting in 2007, ESPN's annual awards show gave out a Best Fighter award, and MMA fighters were grouped with boxers to compete for the prize. In 2019, MMA got its own category, and the past three awards cycles, there's been no pretending. The award, presented by the UFC's current U.S. broadcast partner, is called 'Best UFC Fighter' these days and not 'Best MMA Fighter.' This year, the nominees for that spot go to new women's bantamweight champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison, bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili, former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev and middleweight titleholder Dricus du Plessis. On the boxing side, the nominees are Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields, Naoya Inoue and Oleksandr Usyk. Take a look at the past ESPY awards for MMA and boxing below. 2024 (Best UFC Fighter) 2023 (Best UFC Fighter) 2022 (Best MMA Fighter) 2021 (Best MMA Fighter) 2019 (Best MMA Fighter) 2018 (Best Fighter) 2017 (Best Fighter) 2016 (Best Fighter) 2015 (Best Fighter) 2014 (Best Fighter) 2013 (Best Fighter) 2012 (Best Fighter) 2011 (Best Fighter) 2010 (Best Fighter) 2009 (Best Fighter) 2008 (Best Fighter) 2007 (Best Fighter)
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former UFC champion Holly Holm shuts out undefeated opponent in boxing return
Former UFC champion and boxing Hall of Famer Holly Holm still has serious skills in the ring. Holm (34-2-3) stepped through the ropes to compete in boxing for the first time since 2013 in the feature preliminary bout on the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. undercard at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. Yolanda Vega came into the bout undefeated, but couldn't get anything going. Holm scored a complete shutout over Vega (10-1) in their 10-round, 137-pound bout, winning with unanimous scores of 100-90. Advertisement Even though Holm has spent more than a decade building a championship resume in MMA, she picked up right where she left off in the sport that only allows the use of her hands. Holm was quick on the outside as she worked behind a lead jab. She stuck and moved on Vega throughout the 10-round fight, and reached the final bell with little to no damage. During her in-ring post-fight interview, Holm, 43, said her goal is to fight for another championship in boxing before she's done. She intends to take it one fight at a time and will be ready for her next opponent as she works toward a title opportunity. "The Preacher's Daughter" admitted she fell in love with the ability to throw kicks in a fight, which is why she decided to leave boxing behind initially. Advertisement Holm exited the UFC following a submission loss to Kayla Harrison at UFC 300 last April. Her final victory in the UFC was a unanimous decision win over Yana Santos in March 2023. In boxing, Holm's winning streak is now four, all by decision, stretching back to 2012 before becoming a full-time MMA fighter. She was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022 for racking up 14 world title wins across three weight classes. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Former UFC champ Holly Holm scores shutout in boxing return
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC 316's Kayla Harrison Lived an 'Empty Life' Before Motherhood
UFC 316's Kayla Harrison Lived an 'Empty Life' Before Motherhood originally appeared on Athlon Sports. UFC 316 co-headliner Kayla Harrison (18-1) didn't realize what she was missing before becoming a mother. Advertisement Harrison appeared to have things figured out in terms of her career and her life. Having won Olympic gold twice, capturing PFL gold, and having a routine lifestyle, Harrison was fairly content with how things were going. When Harrison entered motherhood, her perspective completely changed. During an exclusive interview with Athlon Sports, Harrison discussed the lessons she continues to learn about being a mother. "Well, I mean, they never stop," Harrison said. "You learn a new one every day. It's the most rewarding, challenging, frustrating, exciting, crazy, roller coaster thing, unpredictable thing I've ever done, but it is the biggest blessing of my life. My kids actually recently went on a little trip with my mom to the other side of Florida. So, I had the house to myself for probably the first time ever. Advertisement "It was so shocking to me. I adopted my children, so before I had kids, I would wake up, I would eat, I would go train, I would come home, maybe read a book, lay out, take the dogs for a walk, go train again. Maybe have friends over for poker night or Taco Tuesday, but that was it. That was all I did. "On a Monday, I did that, and on a Wednesday, I was a mom. I couldn't believe how empty my life was and sort of just self-centered. My children have changed my life, and they've made me a better person, and they have given me a fullness and a purpose that I didn't even know I was missing until they showed." From Olympic Gold to UFC Gold? Kayla Harrison represents the United States during the Olympics.(via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports) Harrison will challenge Julianna Pena (12-5) for the UFC Bantamweight Championship on Saturday. It'll be Harrison's first opportunity at UFC gold. Advertisement The judo specialist explained the difference between how she felt going into her first chance at earning an Olympic gold medal and how she's feeling ahead of UFC 316. "I think the biggest difference is me," Harrison said. "My mentality, the wisdom, maybe, of having the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage so many times in my life. When I won my first gold medal, I was kind of young and dumb and a little bit clueless. "Now, I have just a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I'm so grateful for that because it's prepared me perfectly for what I'm about to achieve." Tuning Out Own Hype Kayla Harrison is interviewed after scoring a victory inside the UFC Octagon.(via Zuffa LLC) Harrison has long been viewed as a top athlete in MMA who is the favorite in virtually all of her bouts. She believes her competitive spirit won't allow her to fall into any outside noise. Advertisement "For sure," Harrison said about avoiding outside hype thanks to her competitive edge. "I think that, at the end of the day, I am grateful for the fans, and I love them dearly. I always say I don't have fans; I just have friends I haven't met yet, but I don't do this for them. "I do it because I feel like God has given me a gift, and it is my duty and my responsibility to give my very best. It's easy to block out the noise when you know that's not why you do it. I don't do this for applause or for money or for fame." Julianna Pena's Steroid Accusations Julianna Pena speaks to a reporter during a UFC pre-fight press conference.(via Zuffa LLC) Pena has never been shy to hold her tongue ahead of her fights. The reigning 135-pound champion has accused the challenger of steroid use. Harrison takes the trash talk in stride. Advertisement "I'm not sure," Harrison said when asked why Pena made the accusation. "I think that, to me, it speaks of fear and it screams of insecurity. Kind of like a built-in excuse, but it's also a compliment to me. If you think that I'm unnatural, thank you. I work really damn hard to be this way. "I've been drug tested since I was 12 years old. That's when I ranked on the national roster for judo. So, I can guarantee you I've probably been tested 10 times more than every UFC fighter because it's been 20-plus years of getting tested. I've never tested positive; I've never taken any substances." If you strip away the pre-fight banter, Harrison admits that she thinks Pena has the qualities of a worthy fighter inside the Octagon. Still, she thinks her skills outmatch Pena's significantly. "I think everybody's tough until you beat them," Harrison said. "You got to go out there and you got to implement your game plan and instill your will. I think her best attribute as a fighter is that she's got heart and she is a fighter. She's not going to quit, but we've seen her lose. We've seen her holes, and I'm better everywhere." Amanda Nunes Biding Her Time? Amanda Nunes holding the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship and the featherweight gold.(via Zuffa LLC) A big story that looms over Harrison's title shot against Pena involves Amanda Nunes. "The Lioness" has teased a return to the Octagon several times. Harrison is unsure if Nunes is waiting for UFC 316 to conclude, but she wouldn't blame her if that is the case. Advertisement "I don't know," Harrison said. "Maybe, I haven't given it a ton of thought. Probably, I would if I were her." Other Women's Bantamweight Fighters Norma Dumont lifts her opponent up for a takedown during their UFC fight.(via Zuffa LLC) In terms of women's bantamweights on the current UFC roster or even those who are waiting for their chance outside of the promotion, Harrison welcomes the best talent that the 135-pound division has to offer. "I think that there's a lot of up-and-coming fighters," Harrison said. "There is going to probably be a changing of the guard some day. There's always going to be the next hungry, young killer who's ready for their moment and ready for their opportunity. My job is to welcome them with open arms to the big leagues." Merab Dvalishvili Repeats at UFC 316? UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley meet face-to-face before UFC 316.(via Zuffa LLC) Harrison will share the same card that will be headlined by a UFC Bantamweight Championship rematch. Titleholder Merab Dvalishvili will collide with Sean O'Malley a second time. Harrison has an idea of how the second encounter will play out. Advertisement "I think that Merab is a machine, and I think that he's going to go out there and get the job done," Harrison said. "He's a tough fighter to beat." Kayla Harrison Enters G.O.A.T. Conversation? Kayla Harrison being introduced by Bruce Buffer before her UFC fight begins.(via Zuffa LLC) As far as her own fight is concerned, Harrison is shooting for the stars. She believes the headlines will be singing her praises following UFC 316. "I think they're just going to say, 'Kayla Harrison, greatest fighter of all time.'" Related: Rising UFC Star Shares Surprising Take on Islam Makhachev's Move to Welterweight This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
