Rising concern surrounds Kayla Harrison as she begins the perilous technique of slicing over 30 kilos for her UFC 324 bantamweight title defence towards Amanda Nunes. With the pivotal combat simply weeks away, followers and analysts are alarmed that the Olympic judo champion might have began her drastic weight discount early, risking her well being and efficiency towards one of many sport’s most harmful strikers.
Harrison’s historical past with excessive weight cuts is well-documented, together with a harrowing incident earlier than UFC 307 the place she reported “peeing blood” because of the pressure on her physique. This precedent has sparked intense debate concerning the risks of weight slicing in MMA, significantly for feminine fighters pushing their limits to hit the 135-pound mark. “Seeing her within the sauna already is an enormous purple flag,” commented one outstanding MMA podcaster. “Towards Nunes, you want to be at 100%, not drained.”
The combat itself is a career-defining second for Harrison, marking her first defence of the bantamweight strap. Nonetheless, its placement because the co-main occasion behind an interim light-weight title combat has drawn criticism, with many arguing this historic champion-versus-champion conflict deserves prime billing. Nunes, for her half, has left no stone unturned in preparation, even coaching with the one girl to beat Harrison in MMA, Larissa Pacheco.
The overarching concern is that the gruelling weight lower for UFC 324 might sap Harrison’s legendary power and sturdiness, handing a vital benefit to Nunes. This has led to calls from some quarters for the bout to have been contested at a extra pure 145 kilos, prioritising fighter security over strict divisional boundaries.
A Battle on the Scale Earlier than the Octagon
Kayla Harrison’s bantamweight weight lower represents one of the vital extreme within the sport, a months-long ordeal that has change into a storyline in itself. The bodily toll of shedding such an enormous share of physique weight can result in extreme dehydration, decreased cognitive operate, and diminished energy—a probably deadly cocktail when going through a powerhouse like Amanda Nunes.
This example highlights a persistent and harmful flaw in trendy MMA’s weight class system. As Harrison prepares for the most important combat of her profession, the dialog has shifted from mere technique to one among athlete welfare, questioning whether or not the pursuit of a championship ought to come at such a profound bodily price.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions: Harrison’s Weight & The Nunes Battle
Why are followers nervous about Kayla Harrison’s weight lower?
Fears stem from her historical past of maximum cuts over 30 lbs, previous well being scares like “peeing blood,” and considerations that beginning the method too early might severely weaken her for the title combat with Amanda Nunes.
How a lot weight does Kayla Harrison lower for bantamweight?
Harrison sometimes cuts over 30 kilos (approx. 13.6 kg) to make the 135-pound bantamweight restrict, one of the vital drastic reductions within the UFC.
May the burden lower have an effect on the combat towards Nunes?
Sure. An excessive lower can result in dehydration, lack of power, and decreased stamina, probably negating Harrison’s key benefits towards a robust, technical striker like Nunes.
Ought to the combat have been at featherweight (145 lbs)?
Many followers and pundits imagine a catchweight or featherweight bout can be safer and fairer, permitting each athletes to compete at a more healthy weight with out a extreme lower.
What has Harrison mentioned concerning the weight lower just lately?
Whereas not commenting immediately on the present lower, she has beforehand acknowledged the issue and well being dangers concerned, stating it’s a crucial sacrifice to change into champion.
