Kayla Jean Harrison Bio
Kayla Jean Harrison (born July 2, 1990) is an American professional mixed martial artist and former judoka. She currently competes in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she is the reigning UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Harrison is the first female fighter to win both an Olympic gold medal and a UFC championship. She was also a two-time Professional Fighters League lightweight champion and is ranked #2 in the UFC women’s pound-for-pound rankings as of November 18, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Born in Middletown, Ohio, Kayla Harrison began practicing judo at the age of six, introduced to the sport by her mother, who was a black belt. She graduated from Middletown High School in Ohio. Harrison trained under coach Daniel Doyle and won two national championships by age 15. After reporting abuse by Doyle, she moved to Boston to train with renowned coach Jimmy Pedro and his father, marking a pivotal change in her training environment.
Path to MMA
Harrison’s judo career was distinguished by historic achievements, including winning the 2010 World Judo Championships gold medal in the 78 kg category, the first American to do so since 1999. She earned Olympic gold medals in the 78 kg division at both the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, becoming the first American judoka to win Olympic gold. In 2016, she was promoted to 6th-degree black belt, the youngest in the United States to achieve this rank. Transitioning to mixed martial arts, Harrison signed with World Series of Fighting in 2016, initially as a commentator before competing professionally in 2018.
Kayla Jean Harrison Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Harrison made her professional MMA debut in June 2018 at PFL 2, winning by first-round armbar submission. She quickly established herself as a dominant lightweight fighter with multiple wins by TKO and submission. Harrison secured the 2019 Professional Fighters League Women’s Lightweight Championship by defeating Larissa Pacheco via unanimous decision, showcasing her grappling superiority and tactical prowess.
Professional Fighters League Breakthrough (2019–2022)
During her tenure with PFL, Harrison amassed a record of dominant victories, including key submission wins and technical knockouts. She successfully defended her lightweight title and maintained a high level of performance, earning a contract extension. Despite a setback in November 2022 when she lost the PFL Women’s Lightweight final to Larissa Pacheco by unanimous decision, Harrison remained a top contender in women’s MMA.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2024–Present)
In January 2024, the UFC announced Harrison’s signing and bantamweight debut. She won her debut fight against former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm by rear-naked choke submission in the second round. Harrison continued her winning streak with a unanimous decision victory over Ketlen Vieira. On June 7, 2025, she captured the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship by defeating Julianna Peña via kimura submission, earning a Performance of the Night award. Harrison is scheduled to defend her title against former two-time champion Amanda Nunes in January 2026.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Kayla Harrison’s fighting style is heavily influenced by her judo background, emphasizing grappling, submissions, and control on the ground. Her ability to execute armbars and kimuras has been a decisive factor in many of her victories. Harrison’s strategic approach and physical strength make her a formidable opponent across multiple weight divisions. Her partnership with American Top Team has further refined her skills and fight IQ.
Notable Events and Milestones
Harrison’s career milestones include being the first female fighter to win both Olympic gold and a UFC championship. She holds a 6th-degree black belt in judo and was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. Her UFC championship win and Performance of the Night award highlight her rapid ascent in MMA.
Kayla Jean Harrison Career Wins
Kayla Harrison has compiled an impressive professional MMA record of 19 wins and 1 loss. Her victories include 6 by knockout, 8 by submission, and 1 by decision, demonstrating her versatility and finishing ability across multiple fight scenarios.
Professional Fighters League Highlights
Harrison dominated the PFL Women’s Lightweight division, winning two championship titles. Her first PFL win came via armbar submission in her debut fight, and she consistently showcased superior grappling throughout her tenure. Harrison’s 2019 championship victory over Larissa Pacheco was a career-defining moment, solidifying her status as a top lightweight fighter.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2024, Harrison has quickly risen to prominence in the Bantamweight division. Her debut win against Holly Holm by submission set the tone for her UFC career. Capturing the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship in 2025 against Julianna Peña marked a historic achievement as the first female fighter to hold both Olympic and UFC titles.
Kayla Jean Harrison Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about Kayla Harrison’s parents and family background are limited. In 2020, she took full custody of her niece and nephew following the sudden death of her stepfather, who previously had custody. Harrison resides in Coconut Creek, Florida, and maintains a private personal life with no publicly confirmed spouse or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Kayla Harrison continued to build momentum in the UFC Bantamweight division. She secured the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship with a submission victory over Julianna Peña, earning accolades for her performance. Harrison’s partnership with American Top Team has been instrumental in her development, and she is preparing to defend her title against Amanda Nunes in early 2026. Her strong grappling and submission skills remain key assets as she aims to maintain her position among the top female fighters globally.