Two-Time PFL Champion Kayla Harrison Re-Signs with Organization
Kayla Harrison, a two-time Professional Fighters League (PFL) women’s lightweight champion, has ended her free agency by once again signing with the PFL. Despite offers from other organizations, including Bellator and the UFC, Harrison has chosen to continue her MMA career with the PFL.
PFL Experiences Cross-Promotional Superfight Aspirations
A statement released by the PFL confirmed Harrison’s signing of a multiyear contract. The promotion exercised its right to match any offer Harrison received from another company, which it enacted after Bellator presented her with a significant offer earlier this year. While the UFC was also interested in signing Harrison, they did not match the offers from Bellator and the PFL.
Harrison boasts an unbeaten record of 12-0 and is recognized as one of the top women’s fighters in the sport. However, she has yet to face off against some of the biggest names in MMA, such as Amanda Nunes from the UFC or Cris Cyborg from Bellator. In an interview with ESPN, Harrison acknowledged the criticisms and expressed her eagerness to fight the top competitors in her division, emphasizing that she is not avoiding any challenges.
Meanwhile, the PFL has secured former Bellator featherweight champion Julia Budd for its upcoming season, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster fight between her and Harrison. If the two-time champion squares off against Budd, it would undoubtedly mark the most significant bout of Harrison’s career.
Harrison believes the PFL is committed to arranging cross-promotional fights for her in the future, expressing their determination to make those matchups happen. This demonstrates the organization’s willingness to collaborate and co-promote with other promotions to provide fans with compelling and high-stakes fights.
Colby Covington Dominates Jorge Masvidal in UFC 272
Last Saturday night, Colby Covington showcased his skills as one of the top welterweights in the world by outmaneuvering Jorge Masvidal in a five-round contest at UFC 272. Covington’s dominant wrestling performance, combined with strategic striking and relentless pressure, secured him a unanimous decision victory.
Although Masvidal had a few notable moments in the fight, including a knockdown of Covington in the fourth round, they were not enough to counterbalance Covington’s overall control of the bout. The judges’ scores of 49-46, 50-44, 50-45 clearly favored Covington.
Reflecting on the fight, Covington admitted that it wasn’t his best performance, particularly since he and Masvidal were former friends. Emotions got the better of him during the bout, but Covington still felt that his dominance illustrated his true abilities to the world.
Following this victory, Covington (17-3) is expected to retain his position as the top contender in the welterweight division. On the other hand, Masvidal (35-16) suffered his third consecutive loss, with his previous two defeats also coming against divisional champion Kamaru Usman.
Masvidal recognized the need to address his wrestling deficiencies in future fights against wrestlers, acknowledging that he must improve his wrestling skills to overcome similar challenges in the future.
Khabib Nurmagomedov to Enter UFC Hall of Fame
The UFC has announced that former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will be inducted into the promotion’s Hall of Fame during International Fight Week in July. Nurmagomedov, with a perfect 29-0 record, is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of mixed martial arts.
Nurmagomedov’s last fight took place in October 2020, where he submitted Justin Gaethje in the second round. In the aftermath of the bout, he retired from professional fighting, compounded by the passing of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
Conclusion
Kayla Harrison’s decision to re-sign with the PFL ensures that she will continue competing at the highest level alongside other top challengers in the promotion. With the potential for cross-promotional fights on the horizon, fans eagerly anticipate seeing Harrison face off against established contenders in her weight class. Meanwhile, Colby Covington’s victory over Jorge Masvidal solidifies his spot as one of the top welterweights in the UFC, despite admitting that it wasn’t his best performance. Lastly, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame commemorates the remarkable career of a fighter who retired undefeated and left an indelible mark on the sport.
FAQs
1. Will Kayla Harrison face top-level competition in the PFL?
Absolutely. Kayla Harrison, as a two-time PFL champion, is determined to face the best fighters in her weight class. The PFL has also expressed willingness to arrange cross-promotional fights to ensure she gets the opportunity to test herself against other top contenders.
2. Who is the top contender in the UFC welterweight division after Colby Covington’s win?
Following his dominant victory over Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington should maintain his position as the number one contender in the UFC welterweight division.
3. When did Khabib Nurmagomedov retire from professional fighting?
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from professional fighting in October 2020 after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. His retirement came shortly after the passing of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.
4. How many fights did Khabib Nurmagomedov win in his career?
Khabib Nurmagomedov ended his career with a perfect 29-0 record, making him one of the few fighters to retire without a single loss on their record.
5. Which promotion did Bellator’s Julia Budd join?
Julia Budd, a former Bellator featherweight champion, has joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL), adding even more depth and competition to the women’s lightweight division.
