Kayla Harrison is able to struggle at UFC 307 — even when meaning going for the title as a backup in a short-notice alternative.
On the identical evening she’s scheduled to face Ketlen Vieira in Salt Lake Metropolis, Raquel Pennington is about to face Julianna Peña within the co-main occasion with Pennington’s bantamweight title going up for grabs. Whereas she’s conserving her full deal with the Vieira struggle, Harrison plans on staying prepared simply in case her companies are wanted as a backup for one of many championship rivals.
“That’s what I heard,” Harrison instructed MMA Combating about serving because the backup for the co-main occasion. “I imply that’s what I’m planning. My mindset is Ketlen Vieira, whoop her ass and be ready for the unknown.
“If I’ve to step in on quick discover and struggle, I’ll, completely. One thousand p.c. On 30 seconds’ discover I’ll step [in]. Even after I struggle Ketlen, if somebody will get damage within the again, I’ll nonetheless struggle that struggle.”
Backup fighters have grow to be customary fare for the UFC, particularly after the worldwide pandemic left the promotion in a precarious place the place a optimistic take a look at for COVID might doubtlessly wreck a title struggle on the final minute.
Harrison instantly had that thought in thoughts after she was provided the matchup towards Vieira on the identical card the place Pennington is defending her title towards Peña.
Whereas she definitely doesn’t want unwell will on both fighter competing within the co-main occasion, Harrison is aware of unusual issues occur and her companies might be wanted.
“That is combating. We’re not enjoying round,” Harrison stated. “If you spar, shit occurs, ACLs get torn, issues occur. So I’m ready for a cellphone name at 3 a.m. from [UFC executive] Hunter [Campbell], ‘Hey what’s up, are you able to lose an additional pound?’ You’re rattling proper I can!”
Reducing that further pound wouldn’t be straightforward, but it surely’s an issue that Harrison needed to remedy earlier than she even signed her contract to hitch the UFC roster.
After competing for her whole profession at both 155 or 145 kilos, Harrison made main modifications in her life-style to get right down to the bantamweight restrict so she might compete within the UFC.
Nothing got here straightforward and Harrison has remained vigilant about each side of her well being and diet to make sure she will be able to safely make the load as she continues her UFC profession. It already paid off in her debut the place Harrison tore via former champion Holly Holm inside two rounds at UFC 300.
“I dwell a really disciplined life,” Harrison stated. “However I’m grateful for it. I’m grateful for the onerous moments. It simply sort of makes me extra harmful, extra centered. It brings out the very best model of me.
“It’s undoubtedly not straightforward however that efficiency [against Holly Holm] actually speaks volumes in regards to the staff that I’ve round me.”
Harrison acknowledged that staying on weight now requires a lot extra out of her than it ever did earlier than however that’s a sacrifice she’s keen to make for her final purpose — changing into UFC champion.
“I’m at that time proper now in camp the place I’m instructed how a lot air I can breathe,” Harrison stated with a smile. “How a lot water I drink. What number of steps I take. Precisely how a lot I’m coaching. Macros, micros, every part may be very nicely deliberate and orchestrated and it’s a course of however the preparation and the efficiency contained in the cage I owe to my staff.”
As a lot because the speak main into struggle week probably surrounds Harrison’s future aspirations at successful UFC gold, she’s clear that nothing has stolen her focus away from the duty at hand.
She’ll fortunately handle the title, a possible short-notice struggle towards Pennington or Peña or no matter different topics are raised, however deep down, Harrison is basically solely enthusiastic about one factor.
“I imply I’m not overlooking Ketlen,” Harrison stated. “She’s a beast. Robust, nice fighter and I’m ready for something. I additionally assume it’s so good that I’m going to be on the cardboard with [Pennington and Peña] so in the event that they do struggle, the world can simply see what a distinct stage I’m about to be on.
“They’re simply going to be like, ‘Oh, that lady didn’t struggle for the title? What?’ It’s going to be good.”
