Kayla Harrison believes she is just two victories away from being considered the greatest female mixed martial artist of all time.
The UFC bantamweight champion is set to face former long-time titleholder Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 on January 24, in what is expected to headline the first event of the UFC’s new Paramount deal. The rivalry between the two has been brewing for years, and Harrison sees that fight as a defining moment for her legacy.
In an interview with Bloody Elbow, Harrison said beating Nunes — and potentially flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko — would earn her a place at the top of women’s MMA history.
“When I beat Amanda (and Shevchenko), that will make me the greatest of all time for a finite period of time,” Harrison said, acknowledging that the title of GOAT is always temporary as new champions rise.
She also praised pioneers such as Joanna Jedrzejczyk, saying she stands on the shoulders of fighters who built the sport.
A potential superfight with Shevchenko would almost certainly need to happen at 135lbs, as Harrison already undergoes a difficult weight cut to make the bantamweight limit. Shevchenko previously challenged for the bantamweight title against Nunes, losing a close split decision.
First, however, Harrison must get past Nunes — a win that could define her career.
