Kayla Harrison, the reigning women’s bantamweight champion, was forced to pull out of her scheduled title defense at UFC 324, the first event streamed on Paramount+. The fight, set to feature Harrison against returning women’s MMA legend Amanda Nunes, was canceled after Harrison underwent surgery for herniated discs in her neck, a serious condition that put her long-term health and life at risk. This sudden withdrawal prevented what could have been severe medical consequences.
Manager Reveals Harrison’s Years-Long Battle with a Severe Neck Injury
In a post-surgery video shared from her hospital bed, Harrison emotionally apologized to Amanda Nunes for the fight’s cancellation, revealing the gravity of her health situation. Her manager, Ali Abdelaziz, later disclosed that the neck injury was not a recent problem but a painful condition Harrison had endured for approximately six years. The damage escalated to a point where continuing to fight jeopardized her well-being.
“Obviously, everyone knows by now that Kayla postponed her fight with Amanda Nunes. I honestly don’t know how she’s been fighting for the last five or six years with this kind of injury. But it reached a point where it was necessary—continuing would have put her life and long-term health at serious risk.”
— Ali Abdelaziz, Manager
Abdelaziz also expressed confidence in Harrison’s resilience, stating:
“One thing about @KaylaH: she always comes back stronger and better. I can’t wait. This comeback will be legendary. Stay tuned.”
— Ali Abdelaziz, Manager
Comments from Abdelaziz on Amanda Nunes’ Anticipated UFC 324 Appearance
Prior to the cancellation, Ali Abdelaziz had voiced skepticism about Amanda Nunes’s commitment to the scheduled bout. When Nunes announced her return from retirement to face Harrison, Abdelaziz voiced concerns that Nunes might fail to appear or properly prepare for the fight. He urged UFC officials to prepare a backup fighter in case Nunes withdrew.
“I don’t know if Amanda will show up, that’s why I was asking the UFC, ‘Please have a backup.’ I don’t know if she will actually make the weight, make the cut. It’s really hard, especially when you make a whole bunch of money.”
— Ali Abdelaziz, Manager
He further analyzed Nunes’s motivations:
“She is coming back because she missed the attention. She is not getting attention anywhere else, and she hates that Kayla is getting all the attention that she used to.”
— Ali Abdelaziz, Manager
The Broader Impact of Harrison’s Neck Injury on UFC 324 and Future Fights
Harrison’s injury and subsequent withdrawal have reshaped expectations for UFC 324, delaying a highly anticipated clash between two of women’s MMA’s biggest stars. The postponement highlights the physical toll the sport takes on even elite athletes and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health over competition. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering when Harrison might safely return to defend her title.
Given Abdelaziz’s remarks about Harrison’s history of perseverance, her rehabilitation and comeback will be closely watched. The delay also raises questions about Amanda Nunes’s next steps and how UFC matchmaking will adapt to this unforeseen development.
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