When it was announced that Kayla Harrison was signed by the UFC most people thought that she’d be competing as a featherweight. She fought as a light-weight during her 16-1 winning record in the Professional Fighters League.
She’s only fought once at featherweight but is booked to take on former bantamweight titleholder Holly Holm at UFC 300. Bantamweight is a 20-pound drop from where Harrison is used to fighting and former UFC bantamweight champion Miesha Tate doesn’t think the weight cut will go well for the two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Judo.
“When I saw it was at 135, I was shocked, because Kayla Harrison begged for 155-pound division at PFL and she got it and I think she’s been great there,” Tate told Fight Nation on SiriusXM. “She’s been tremendous. I know she’s made 145 before, I think it was tough for her. I think 135 is going to really suck the life out of her, and it’s not the best move.
“I guess I’m speaking from personal experience, because when I went down to 125—although I did it and I still had a pretty decent camp—I just didn’t perform at my best, and I think Kayla is just used to being such a big, strong woman, that she won’t have that…
