Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

UFC 300: Kayla Harrison Shines In ‘Electric’ Octagon Debut

Originally posted on Ringside Intel | By Dana Becker | Last updated 4/14/24

Twice before, Kayla Harrison has claimed Olympic gold on the biggest stage possible.

However, competing inside the world famous Octagon at UFC 300 for the first time was completely different.

Harrison had no trouble taking care of former champion Holly Holm, impressing in her debut with a second round submission.

“The Olympics are just a different pressure,” Harrison said. “This is its own beast. It was really magical, electric with the fans. I loved it, just loved every minute of it.

“I’m still on cloud nine right now.”

After trying to take Holm out with her famous move, the head-kick, Harrison went back to her bread-and-butter: grappling.

“It was amazing,” she said. “The whole week was a dream. I am really grateful for where I am in my life and the people along the way for this journey. Honestly, it almost went by too fast.”

Kayla Harrison wants to become UFC Champion by the end of 2024

After @kaylah's INCREDIBLE debut… she caught the attention of the one and only Amanda Nunes

: @CarolinePearce #UFC300 | LIVE on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/WWVuVg9qTU
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) April 14, 2024

A former two-time PFL lightweight champion, Harrison signed with the UFC and made the move to bantamweight for this fight. She is now 17-1 overall with the lone loss coming via decision to Larissa Pacheco in the 2022 PFL finals.

This article first appeared on Ringside Intel and was syndicated with permission.

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