TLDR
- Kayla Harrison dismissed comparisons to Ronda Rousey at a UFC press conference, asserting they only share a judo background and blonde hair.
- Harrison emphasized her two Olympic gold medals in judo compared to Rousey’s one bronze medal.
- Harrison’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, confirmed an enduring personal animosity between the two stemming from their judo days.
- Harrison expressed skepticism about Rousey’s rumored boxing comeback against Katie Taylor.
- Harrison implied her intention to achieve success against Amanda Nunes where Rousey fell short.
UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison has made it abundantly clear that she does not appreciate being compared to former champion Ronda Rousey. At a recent UFC seasonal press conference, Harrison directly addressed the nearly ubiquitous comparisons between herself and Rousey, stating, “The only things we have in common is we’re blonde and we did judo.” This statement not only captures her desire for individuality but also underscores a significant distinction in their Olympic careers. Harrison won two gold medals while Rousey secured a bronze, a point she firmly highlighted during her remarks.
This dismissive tone reflects a deeper tension between the two fighters that has simmered for years. Ali Abdelaziz, Harrison’s manager, has confirmed that there exists a “deep-seated personal animosity” between the two, tracing back to their time competing in judo prior to either entering the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Roots in Judo Competition
Both Harrison and Rousey enjoyed illustrious careers in judo before carving out their paths in MMA. Rousey made history in 2008 as the first American woman to medal at the Olympics in judo, bringing home a bronze from Beijing. Harrison, in contrast, pushed the envelope even further, seizing gold medals at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. This not only set her apart in judo history but also established her as one of the sport’s most decorated American competitors, shining a spotlight on the contrast in their achievements.
The historical rivalry is further complicated by the negative interactions and competition that overlapped during their careers. Abdelaziz elaborated on this, emphasizing that the personal friction dates back to their fierce competition in judo, suggesting that their intertwined careers set the stage for future clashes.
Harrison Questions Rousey’s Boxing Plans
In recent months, speculation has arisen concerning a potential comeback for Rousey, particularly rumors suggesting a boxing match against Katie Taylor. Harrison didn’t hold back her skepticism about these reports during her press conference appearance, casting doubt on Rousey’s likelihood of re-entering the competitive fighting scene after her retirement from MMA in 2016.
Rousey exited the UFC following two consecutive knockout defeats, the last of which was a first-round loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. This loss looms large in the narrative as Harrison made a pointed reference to it in her remarks. In a subtle jab, she indicated her intention to achieve success against Nunes, framing her aspirations as an opportunity to correct where Rousey failed.
Since Nunes retired in 2023 as a dual-weight world champion, she is often regarded as the greatest female fighter in MMA history. The looming comparison between Nunes and Harrison adds complexity, as the expectations surrounding Harrison continue to grow.
Harrison made her mark on the sport by joining the UFC after a notable run in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where she claimed the women’s lightweight championship twice. Her entry into the UFC was one of the most highly anticipated, and now, capturing the bantamweight title has further enhanced her credentials.
Despite their shared backgrounds in judo, Harrison is determined to carve out her own identity in MMA. She advocates for recognition of her unique accomplishments, insisting that her Olympic successes and current championship status distinguish her from Rousey, allowing her to create her own legacy in a sport influenced by both women.