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Kayla Harrison revealed that she has suffered health issues over the last year.
Harrison continued her undefeated MMA career with three wins in 2022. The Olympic Judo gold medalist is looking to win her third PFL world championship against Larissa Pacheco on November 25th. The American Top Team fighter joined Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour and had this to say about struggling throughout the year:
“It’s been a hell of a year, Ariel. It’s been a hell of a year. It’s been a lot of stuff behind the scenes. I probably say that more than anyone in the world, but it’s actually true. Just a lot of stuff going on, and I feel really blessed. I feel really blessed to be here. To be doing this. To be alive. To get to do what I love every day with the people I love. I’m excited to put an end to sort of this season format as well to go and continue my legacy and see what comes next”
Helwani then asked what made her so emotional while responding, and she had this to say:
“I just had a lot of health stuff this year that I’ve kinda been going through behind the scenes, and I’m not really ready to discuss it yet. It’s something I’m not ready to share. It’s been a hard year, and I would encourage everyone to do your checkups, go to the doctor, and hug the people you love. It’s so silly, but don’t take anything for granted. I’m, on the outside, one of the healthiest people on the planet. I’m a professional athlete, but s**t can still happen.”
Harrison’s free agency was a hot topic before the PFL used their matching rights to bring her back. The two-time PFL champion seems interested in fighting outside of the promotion in the future, but she has another $1 million to win on November 25th. She already has two wins against Pacheco, but the Brazilian possesses the power to change everything with one punch.
Watch Kayla Harrison discuss her health issues with Ariel Helwani below:
Kayla Harrison weighs in on a fantasy matchup against Floyd Mayweather
Kayla Harrison has several similarities to fellow Olympian Ronda Rousey. The former UFC champion once infamously said she could beat boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in a fight. During a fan Q&A on Reddit, Harrison had this to say when asked if she could beat Mayweather:
"Grappling: Yes, Boxing: No, MMA: Maybe"
It’s fair to assume Kayla Harrison would beat Mayweather grappling, but any other rule set would be unpredictable. The two-time PFL champion has established herself as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. Despite the MMA community questioning the strength of her schedule, the Olympic gold medalist has taken out everyone placed in front of her.
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