Famed MMA Journalist reveals CONFUSION regarding the UFC signing Kayla Harrison despite ‘one fight’ remaining in the PFL contract

After UFC's news of signing Kayla Harrison, Ariel Helwani addresses Harrison's contractual commitments with the PFL.

Famed MMA Journalist reveals CONFUSION regarding the UFC signing Kayla Harrison despite ‘one fight’ remaining in the PFL contract

After UFC's announcement of signing Kayla Harrison, Ariel Helwani looks on her PFL and UFC contract dispute (via IMAGO/Instagram)

Dana White recently announced a huge news for UFC 300. He revealed the signing of former PFL champion Kayla Harrison and disclosed her debut fight. She is set to take on Holly Holm in the historic UFC 300 fight card. Soon after the news broke, many questioned her contractual terms with the UFC and her speculated fight with Cris Cyborg. Now, MMA reporter Ariel Helwani cleared the air around the matter with his latest tweet.

In his tweet, Ariel Helwani addressed PFL’s contract with Kayla Harrison and how she signed the deal with the Dana White-led company. Here is what he wrote:

Three more notes on the Kayla Harrison breaking news:
 1. Obviously@DonnDavisPFL said on the show last week she had one more PFL fight. Harrison and her team believed the contract had expired. I’m looking forward to hearing how that was resolved. 
2. This is why the @criscyborg admin claiming Kayla was ducking her/turned down a fight against her was ludicrous from the jump. Admin knew that. Kayla knew that. UFC knew that. PFL knew that. No brainer for Harrison.
Ariel Helwani (via X)
YouTube video

Kayla Harrison had two fights left in her contract by 2023. However, she didn’t partake in the PFL seasons and only fought once. As such, she showed confusion regarding her contract with the PFL in her earlier appearance at the ‘MMA Hour Show.’ However, it has been assumed things have been settled since the UFC went ahead with their official announcement of signing Harrison.

Kayla Harrison is a two-time Olympic medalist who later transitioned to MMA and fought in the PFL. As such, she competed at lightweight and featherweight and became a two-time PFL champion. Now, she will make her debut for the UFC in their historical card of UFC 300. As such, she takes on former UFC champion Holly Holm in a bantamweight matchup.

Ariel Helwani doubts the chances of Kayla Harrison making the bantamweight limit in UFC

Ariel Helwani hinted at Kayla Harrison vs. Holly Holm as a ‘rabbit in the hat’ matchup for UFC 300. Although he didn’t confirm the news, as of today, it became official when Dana White announced the fight on his social media. Now, Helwani reacted to the news and answered a fan’s question of whether Harrison could move down to the 135lbs division.

Ariel Helwani questions Kayla Harrison's chances of making the bantamweight limit
Ariel Helwani questions Kayla Harrison’s chances of making the bantamweight limit (via The Independent/MMA News)

Kayla Harrison, in her MMA career, only fought at lightweight and featherweight. As such, when a fan expressed his disbelief at seeing Harrison fight at bantamweight, Ariel Helwani agreed. He also stated that the featherweight division will not regain steam in the Dana White-led company. It leaves Harrison to make bantamweight or wave her UFC dream bye. Here is what he said:

It’s a big if, no doubt, but she is confident she can get it done. It was either 135 or no UFC dream. 145 doesn’t exist. The ultimate competitor wanted the ultimate challenge.
Ariel Helwani (via X)

Kayla Harrison is an accomplished combat sports athlete and now she enters one of the leading MMA promotions. As such, she takes on another accomplished fighter in Holly Holm, who earned her HOF place in boxing last year. This fight will take place at UFC 300, along with numerous other exciting matchups.

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