Outside of her athletic career, Harrison enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is known for her dedication to training and maintaining a balanced lifestyle that supports her professional goals.
Harrison’s commitment to excellence both inside and outside the cage has endeared her to fans and established her as a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.
Kayla Harrison continues to pursue her goal of becoming a UFC champion. With each fight, she refines her skills and adapts her strategy, aiming to leave a lasting legacy in the sport of MMA.
As she navigates the competitive landscape of the UFC, Harrison remains focused on achieving greatness and inspiring the next generation of fighters.
Also Read: Kayla Harrison Relationship Status: Is She Married? Guardian Of Two Adopted Kids And Her Parents
Table of Contents
Kayla Harrison: Bio
Kayla Harrison was born on July 2, 1990, and grew up in Middletown, Ohio. She began practicing judo at a young age, influenced by her mother’s interest in the sport.1
Harrison showed exceptional talent early on, winning numerous youth championships and quickly rising through the ranks of competitive judo in the United States.
☺️☺️☺️ https://t.co/H8pJJklImp
— Kayla Harrison Official (@KaylaH) June 28, 2024
Early Life
Harrison’s breakthrough came in 2012 when she won the gold medal in judo at the London Olympics in the Women’s 78 kg category.
This achievement made her the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in judo. Four years later, she successfully defended her title at the 2016 Rio Olympics, solidifying her status as one of the most dominant judokas in the world.
After the Rio Olympics, Kayla Harrison made the transition from judo to mixed martial arts (MMA). She signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2018, marking her official entry into MMA competition.
Harrison’s judo background provided a strong foundation for her MMA career, emphasizing grappling and takedown skills that quickly made her a formidable fighter in the cage.
Kayla Harrison: Career
Early Success in Judo
Kayla Harrison began her judo career with remarkable achievements, notably transitioning to the –78 kg division after 2008.2
Despite missing the 2008 Olympics, she clinched the 2008 Junior World Championship and followed up with a silver in 2009, marking a historic double-final appearance.
World Championship Triumphs
In 2010, Harrison secured a breakthrough gold at the World Championships, a feat not seen for an American since 1999, showcasing her dominance in the sport.
She continued her podium presence with a bronze in 2011, setting the stage for Olympic glory.
Olympic Gold: London 2012
Despite injury setbacks pre-2012 Olympics, Kayla Harrison emerged victorious in London, clinching the –78 kg category’s gold medal, a first for American judo. Her triumph over Gemma Gibbons underscored her resilience and skill.
Continued Olympic Success: Rio 2016
Harrison’s journey to a second Olympic gold in Rio solidified her legacy in judo. Defeating Audrey Tcheuméo in a decisive victory highlighted her status as a dominant force in the sport.
Hall of Fame and Black Belt Recognition
Recognition followed Harrison post-2016, with inductions into the US Judo Federation Hall of Fame and a rapid promotion to rokudan, reflecting her rapid rise and influence in judo circles.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Early Ventures: World Series of Fighting
Inspired by former partner Ronda Rousey, Harrison signed with World Series of Fighting in 2016, indicating a shift from commentator to competitor in the women’s 145-pound division.
Professional Fighters League (PFL) Debut: 2018 Season
Maiden MMA Victory
Kayla Harrison made a stunning debut at PFL 2 in 2018, triumphing over Brittney Elkin via armbar submission, signaling her arrival in MMA with flair.
Season Progression
She continued her dominance in PFL, securing victories over Jozette Cotton and Moriel Charneski, showcasing her evolving skills and adaptability in the cage.
Championship Pursuit: 2019 Success
Harrison’s path to the 2019 Women’s Lightweight Championship included wins over Larissa Pacheco and Bobbi Jo Dalziel, culminating in a decisive victory in the finals.
COVID-19 Interruption and Invicta FC Stint
With the 2020 PFL season halted, Harrison seized opportunities in Invicta FC, defeating Courtney King in her Featherweight division debut, showcasing her versatility.
PFL Resurgence: 2021-2023 Seasons
Dominance Continues
Kayla Harrison’s return to PFL saw her maintain her winning streak, dispatching opponents like Mariana Morais, Cindy Dandois, and Genah Fabian with strategic TKOs and submissions.
Contractual Maneuvers and Bellator Brief
Amidst negotiations, Harrison briefly signed with Bellator MMA in 2022 but returned to PFL, setting the stage for a series of impactful performances in subsequent seasons.
Tournament Setbacks and Redemption
Despite a surprise loss to Larissa Pacheco in 2022, Harrison rebounded in 2023, reaffirming her status as a top contender with victories over Martina Jindrová and Aspen Ladd.
UFC Debut and Beyond
Signing with the UFC
- In 2024, Kayla Harrison signed a pivotal contract with the UFC, setting the stage for her bantamweight debut against Holly Holm at UFC 300, a match she won convincingly via rear-naked choke in the second round.
- As she navigates her UFC career, Harrison’s transition from judo prodigy to MMA stalwart continues to captivate, with future matchups and potential titles on the horizon, cementing her legacy in combat sports.
- Kayla Harrison’s career trajectory from judo prodigy to MMA sensation underscores her resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
- With Olympic golds, PFL championships, and a promising UFC debut, Harrison’s journey remains a testament to her athletic prowess and determination in the face of challenges.
Also Read: Kayla Harrison Reacts Hilariously to UFC & Twerker Ailin Perez and Discusses Next Title Fight
Kayla Harrison: Relationships
Engagement to Aaron Handy
Kayla Harrison, the renowned Judo World Champion and now a rising star in MMA, was engaged to Aaron Handy around 2012.3
Handy, a fellow black belt in judo who later pursued a career as a firefighter, shared Harrison’s passion for martial arts.
Reports suggest that Harrison also considered transitioning to firefighting, inspired by Handy’s career path.
However, over time, their relationship faced challenges, and they eventually parted ways, seemingly losing their connection.
Current Relationship Status with Anthony Rocco Martin
Following her transition to MMA, Kayla Harrison became associated with American Top Team, where she crossed paths with Anthony Rocco Martin, a former UFC fighter with a notable 18-6 record.
The two were seen together in various interviews and public appearances, sparking speculation about their relationship.
However, it remains unclear whether Harrison and Martin are still romantically involved, as they have maintained a relatively private stance regarding their personal lives.
Kayla Harrison: Children
Kayla Harrison, a renowned Olympic gold medalist and MMA fighter, has embarked on a significant journey in her personal life alongside her professional achievements.
Here’s a deeper look into her role as a mother to her adopted children.
Early Family Responsibilities
In 2019, Kayla Harrison took on the responsibility of becoming a guardian to her niece and nephew, Kyla and Emery, respectively. This decision was prompted by a health scare involving someone very close to her, which led her to prioritize family obligations.
The pivotal moment came when Harrison’s mother suffered a stroke later that year. With her mother’s health in jeopardy and already having custody of her niece and nephew, Harrison made the heartfelt decision to adopt them officially.
This adoption coincided closely with her triumph in the women’s lightweight championship at the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where she also secured a substantial million-dollar prize.
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Balancing Motherhood and MMA Career
- Despite the demands of her MMA career and rigorous training schedules, Harrison finds joy and fulfillment in being a mother to Kyla and Emery.
- Her social media posts reflect her happiness and dedication to her role as their mother, showcasing moments of love and family bonding amidst her professional pursuits.
- With her impressive record as a two-time women’s lightweight champion, there is considerable anticipation surrounding Kayla Harrison’s potential debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
- Fans and analysts alike eagerly await her transition to the UFC, speculating on her future matchups and the impact she could make in the competitive landscape of MMA.
- Kayla Harrison’s journey as a mother to her adopted children is a testament to her resilience and compassion beyond the octagon.
- As she continues to excel in her MMA career, her commitment to family remains a central pillar of her life, shaping her decisions both inside and outside the ring.
Kayla Harrison: Net Worth 2024
PFL Contract and Financial Gain
In a significant career move, Kayla Harrison signed a lucrative 2-year deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
This deal not only secured her financial stability but also positioned her as one of the highest-paid athletes in women’s MMA.
With reported earnings of approximately $1 million per fight, Harrison stands to significantly bolster her net worth through her performances in the PFL.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Beyond her fight purses, Kayla Harrison has capitalized on her fame and success with lucrative endorsements and sponsorships.
Her marketability as a two-time Olympic champion and rising MMA star has attracted brands eager to align with her image of strength, resilience, and athletic excellence.
Kayla Harrison’s presence in MMA has had a profound impact on the sport, particularly in women’s MMA.
Her pedigree as an Olympic gold medalist and her impressive performances in the PFL have elevated the visibility and credibility of women athletes in the MMA world, inspiring a new generation of fighters.
Also Read: Kayla Harrison: Nationality, Bio, Net Worth, Achievements, Family Details And More Explained
