Kayla Harrison Withdraws from UFC 324 Due to Neck Surgery

What's Happening?

UFC women's bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison has withdrawn from her scheduled title defense against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 due to neck surgery. Harrison underwent the procedure to repair herniated discs, which will require at least six months of rehabilitation. The fight was highly anticipated, as it was set to be one of the biggest in women's MMA history. Harrison's withdrawal is a significant setback for the event, which was to be the debut under UFC's new broadcasting agreement with Paramount+.

Why It's Important?

Harrison's withdrawal from UFC 324 is a major blow to the event, which was expected to draw significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the matchup. The fight against Nunes, a former two-division champion and widely regarded as the greatest women's MMA fighter, was set to be a historic clash. The postponement affects the UFC's event lineup and could impact the promotion's strategy and viewership under its new broadcasting deal.

What's Next?

The UFC is expected to reschedule the Harrison vs. Nunes fight for a later date in 2026, though no specific timeline has been announced. It remains unclear whether Nunes will be booked in an interim title fight or if the promotion will wait for Harrison's recovery. The situation leaves the bantamweight division in a state of uncertainty, with potential implications for future title fights and rankings.