Growing concern surrounds Kayla Harrison as she begins the perilous process of cutting over 30 pounds for her UFC 324 bantamweight title defence against Amanda Nunes. With the pivotal fight just weeks away, fans and analysts are alarmed that the Olympic judo champion may have started her drastic weight reduction early, risking her health and performance against one of the sport’s most dangerous strikers.
Harrison’s history with extreme weight cuts is well-documented, including a harrowing incident before UFC 307 where she reported “peeing blood” due to the strain on her body. This precedent has sparked intense debate about the dangers of weight cutting in MMA, particularly for female fighters pushing their limits to hit the 135-pound mark. “Seeing her in the sauna already is a massive red flag,” commented one prominent MMA podcaster. “Against Nunes, you need to be at 100%, not drained.”
The fight itself is a career-defining moment for Harrison, marking her first defence of the bantamweight strap. However, its placement as the co-main event behind an interim lightweight title fight has drawn criticism, with many arguing this historic champion-versus-champion clash deserves top billing. Nunes, for her part, has left no stone unturned in preparation, even training with the only woman to beat Harrison in MMA, Larissa Pacheco.
The overarching fear is that the gruelling weight cut for UFC 324 could sap Harrison’s legendary strength and durability, handing a critical advantage to Nunes. This has led to calls from some quarters for the bout to have been contested at a more natural 145 pounds, prioritising fighter safety over strict divisional boundaries.
A Battle on the Scale Before the Octagon
Kayla Harrison’s bantamweight weight cut represents one of the most severe in the sport, a months-long ordeal that has become a storyline in itself. The physical toll of shedding such a massive percentage of body weight can lead to severe dehydration, reduced cognitive function, and diminished power—a potentially fatal cocktail when facing a powerhouse like Amanda Nunes.
This situation highlights a persistent and dangerous flaw in modern MMA’s weight class system. As Harrison prepares for the biggest fight of her career, the conversation has shifted from mere strategy to one of athlete welfare, questioning whether the pursuit of a championship should come at such a profound physical cost.
Frequently Asked Questions: Harrison’s Weight & The Nunes Fight
Why are fans worried about Kayla Harrison’s weight cut?
Fears stem from her history of extreme cuts over 30 lbs, past health scares like “peeing blood,” and concerns that starting the process too early could severely weaken her for the title fight with Amanda Nunes.
How much weight does Kayla Harrison cut for bantamweight?
Harrison typically cuts over 30 pounds (approx. 13.6 kg) to make the 135-pound bantamweight limit, one of the most drastic reductions in the UFC.
Could the weight cut affect the fight against Nunes?
Yes. An extreme cut can lead to dehydration, loss of strength, and reduced stamina, potentially negating Harrison’s key advantages against a powerful, technical striker like Nunes.
Should the fight have been at featherweight (145 lbs)?
Many fans and pundits believe a catchweight or featherweight bout would be safer and fairer, allowing both athletes to compete at a healthier weight without a severe cut.
What has Harrison said about the weight cut recently?
While not commenting directly on the current cut, she has previously acknowledged the difficulty and health risks involved, stating it is a necessary sacrifice to become champion.