Kayla Harrison, a celebrated athlete and MMA fighter, is seeing her dreams come to life as she edges closer to being acknowledged as the greatest female fighter in history. Her remarkable victories include twice seizing the Olympic gold, clinching two Professional Fighters League championships worth $1 million each, and now, she has added an UFC title to her remarkable repertoire. Originally from Middletown, Harrison was unyielding in her recent victory over reigning 135-pound champion Julianna Peña. Peña was compelled to throw in the towel late into the second round, enabling Harrison to earn the title at the Prudential Center after a mere three fights in the UFC.
An ordinary girl from Middletown, Harrison has evolved into a formidable force to be reckoned with in the MMA cage. Her dazzling performance shines brightest when under the most intense spotlights. Now, as the bantamweight titleholder, it seems that the 34-year-old Harrison is poised to next face previous champion and 2025 UFC Hall of Fame honoree, Amanda Nunes.
Amanda Nunes, witnessed Harrison’s recent victory and subsequently entered the cage with her post-match. It appears Nunes has plans in mind to conclude her retirement and challenge the 19-1 Harrison. This anticipated matchup promises to bring in lucrative earnings for both contenders.
According to Jeannie Yazell, Harrison’s mother and attendee of the just-concluded match, foresee two more encounters for her daughter inside the cage before she calls it a day. Regardless of when her professional career concludes, Harrison’s profound influence on the world of mixed martial arts and her local community is undisputable.
Harrison continues to elevate the bar of excellence in her pursuits while heaping praises on her roots. The city’s communications manager adds ‘Kayla represents everything Middletown prides itself on – unwavering resilience, relentless hard work, determination, all culminating in tremendous success.’
The Principal of Middletown High School, Carmela Cotter, proudly acknowledges Harrison as a true champion who is unafraid to dream big and achieve big things. Harrison began her journey in Middletown City Schools before relocating to advance her judo training. The training was fruitful, with Harrison winning the gold medals in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
Cotter mentions that while the world sees and celebrates the milestones Harrison has touched, what isn’t visible are the arduous hours she has spent perfecting her craft in the gym. Harrison’s father, Kenny, a Middletown resident, asserts that no matter how his daughter fares in her subsequent fight, his perception of her as the greatest is unwavering.
Harrison’s profound gratitude towards her hometown is something her mother affirms. The city of Middletown warmly welcomes visitors with signs acknowledging it as Harrison’s place of birth. Over the years, the town has expressed its pride in Harrison’s achievements on numerous occasions.
Harrison’s multiple accomplishments have propelled her into the spotlight and earned her a place in the prestigious Gold Medal Club of the Pigskin-Roundball Spectacular. Her prominent stature within the community has also led her to serve as the grand marshal of a local parade.
In addition to her sporting successes, Harrison’s dedication to public service is evident in her participation in the police department’s annual Shop with a Cop initiative. She has also consistently donated to the Hope House Women’s Shelter each year, making a significant impact on her community.
Harrison chooses to attribute all her successes and triumphs to her strong faith. The modesty and humility she shows in the face of her monumental achievements only serve to endear her more to her supporters and amplifies the respect she has garnered throughout her career.