Kayla Harrison was forced to withdraw from her scheduled UFC 324 bantamweight title defense against Amanda Nunes on January 24 due to herniated discs in her neck requiring surgery, raising concerns about her future in the sport. The pullout has sparked debate about Harrison’s career durability, as she recovers from significant injury issues prior to the highly anticipated matchup.
Insights on Harrison’s UFC Withdrawal and Its Implications
The upcoming clash between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 was abruptly canceled after Harrison reported neck injuries that necessitate surgical repair. This setback comes as a significant blow to the UFC’s first numbered event of 2026, which had promoted the bout as a marquee co-main event. Harrison’s withdrawal due to herniated discs highlights the physical toll that weight cutting and elite competition can impose on fighters.
Former UFC featherweight champion Cris Cyborg, who previously lost her 145-pound title to Amanda Nunes, publicly expressed skepticism about Harrison’s ability to sustain her career at the 135-pound weight class. Cyborg retweeted coverage of the canceled fight and commented on her X page,
“You have to wonder if @KaylaH is more durable at 145. I can’t imagine these cuts to 135 being a sustainable career.”
?Cris Cyborg, former UFC featherweight champion
This statement underscores an ongoing concern in MMA about the dangers and challenges fighters face when dropping multiple weight classes, as Harrison typically competes at lightweight but moved down to bantamweight to face Nunes.
Uncertainty Surrounding Amanda Nunes’ Return Fuels Doubts
Before Harrison’s injury was publicly confirmed, questions lingered about Amanda Nunes’ readiness to compete at UFC 324. Nunes has not fought since her June 2023 victory over Irene Aldana, leading to speculation about her physical condition and commitment to the bout. Both Harrison and her management expressed reservations about Nunes’ ability to make the 135-pound cut and compete without complications.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Harrison mentioned concerns about Nunes’ consistency in making weight, referencing previous withdrawals from high-profile fights due to undisclosed issues. Harrison’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, further cautioned the UFC by requesting a backup fighter, anticipating the possibility of Nunes pulling out himself. Abdelaziz told Submission Radio,
“I asked UFC to have a backup fighter in place in case my charge, Harrison, would be faced with a vacancy created by Nunes.”
?Ali Abdelaziz, Kayla Harrison’s manager
The promotion appears to be leaning toward rescheduling the Harrison-Nunes fight for a later date rather than replacing it on the UFC 324 card, given the magnitude and drawing power of the matchup.
Wider Impact on UFC and Fighter Careers
The cancellation of this high-profile bout not only delays a much-anticipated title fight but also casts uncertainty on Kayla Harrison’s viability at bantamweight moving forward. Harrison’s history as a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and former PFL champion underscores her elite pedigree, yet the physical challenges of weight cuts and injuries present ongoing obstacles. Similarly, Amanda Nunes’ future activity remains uncertain after her extended hiatus.
With UFC 324 now lacking its heavily promoted co-main event, fans and analysts will closely watch how both athletes approach recovery and training in the coming months. The incident also reignites conversations about the sustainability of weight classes and fighter health, especially for athletes transitioning to new divisions.
https://twitter.com/criscyborg/status/2011501659139293643
