Kayla Harrison jumping ship to UFC compared to Kevin Durant’s multiple trades in NBA
Kayla Harrison is compared to Kevin Durant by PFL's Donn Davis.
Donn Davis finds similarities between Kayla Harrison and Kevin Durant (Image via: IMAGO, Instagram)
Kayla Harrison was a surprise addition to the UFC roster. After the Bellator MMA merger with PFL, fight fans had expected a high-profile matchup between superstars Cris Cyborg and Harrison. PFL chairman Donn Davis recently compared Harrison’s surprise move to Kevin Durant‘s multiple trades in the NBA.
Davis was a recent guest on the WEIGHING IN podcast of Josh Thompson and John McCarthy. On the podcast, Thompson enquired about how Harrison moved to the UFC even though there was a fight left in her contract with the promotion. Davis replied by indirectly comparing Kayla Harrison to Kevin Durant.
Some people at the very, very, very top of their career are LeBron James, and some at the very, very top of their career are Kevin Durant. They are both otherworldly basketball players, but who they are as people is very different. One wants to lead and change their sport, and wherever they are is the best in the world. The other is a follower who needs validation, and we couldn't do anything about that.Donn Davis via WEIGHING IN
James had led all the teams he played in the NBA to the championships. He had won two championships with the Miami Heat and one each with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers. On the other hand, Durant’s two title triumphs were with the Golden State Warriors, which already had Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Moreover, he was unsuccessful with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, and the Phoenix Suns.
Nevertheless, Harrison debuted in the UFC in style, submitting ex-bantamweight champion Holly Holm in the second round at UFC 300. Harrison had already begun trash talks with current champion Raquel Pennington and ex-champion Juliana Pena. Moreover, retired GOAT Amanda Nunes has flirted with returning after ex-teammate Harrison won at UFC 300.
Jorge Masvidal previews Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison
Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison had a cordial relationship. Both were the best female fighters in their respective promotions: the UFC and PFL. A rivalry brewed when Harrison seemed to sign with the UFC and challenge Nunes.
Unfortunately for Harrison, Nunes lost the title in a massive upset to Juliana Pena at UFC 269. Nunes won the title in the rematch and retired after defending it at UFC 289. One person who is privy to the capability of Nunes and Harrison is Jorge Masvidal, who had previewed the fight on the MMA Hour.
They're both so great at what they do, you know? Amanda's [Nunes] fu**ing hands are devastating, and she can keep the fight on the feet. It's so hard to take her down. Kayla [Harrison], if she gets you down, bro, it's a problem...I know for a fact Amanda's never fought no one like Kayla, and Kayla's never fought no one like Amanda. But Amanda has been out for some time; she hasn't been trained like that. Kayla's like one of the most dedicated athletes I've seen...So I just, I just, uh, I'll put my money on Kayla right now.Jorge Masvidal via The MMA Hour
Rumors are that current champion Raquel Pennington has suffered an injury and would require some time off. As such, Harrison has targeted an interim title fight against ex-champion Pena. No official confirmation has been made, but the UFC has high hopes for Harrison. So, they will likely provide her a title shot and an eventual fight against Nunes if the women’s GOAT returns.
In case you missed it!
Safeer Marottickal Sakeer
(989 Articles Published)