Kayla Harrison’s premature harm has left the UFC scrambling for a co-main occasion alternative for January 24.
The 35-year-old was set to face Amanda Nunes in what’s being thought-about by many to be the best combat in girls’s MMA historical past. The bout was set to characteristic the consensus greatest feminine fighter in UFC historical past, Nunes, taking up the primary particular person to ever win each an Olympic and UFC gold, Harrison.
Some thought-about the Harrison vs. Nunes conflict to be the primary attraction of UFC 324, so the place does the corporate go from right here now that the combat is not happening?
Based on some sources, ‘The Lioness’ could also be on the verge of getting a alternative lined up lower than two weeks out from the combat. One title that might save the occasion is Ronda Rousey, whose star energy stays as she teases a return to fight sports activities.
Regardless of the pair beforehand assembly contained in the cage, UFC veteran Tim Elliot believes Rousey could be the proper alternative to face Nunes.
Ronda?
— Tim Elliott (@TElliott125) January 14, 2026
A number of different names have been floating round to welcome Amanda Nunes again into the octagon.
Norma Dumont is a standout selection. The man Brazilian is ranked #4 within the UFC bantamweight rankings, and believes there is no higher time than now for her to make the step up in competitors after successful six straight contained in the octagon.
“I simply came upon that Amanda and Kayla’s combat is off,” Dumont mentioned on Instagram. “I already instructed the UFC that I’ve stored my weight down as a result of I knew this would possibly occur…”
“I’ve already allow them to know that I am able to combat in 10 days, in a month, in two or three months. I am able to go.”
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Associated: Daniel Cormier discourages Amanda Nunes interim title combat following Kayla Harrison harm
Former UFC strawweight, Diana Belbita, has weighed in on a doable opponent for Amanda Nunes.
Belbita believes that if Norma Dumont is not given the chance, the following girl in line ought to be Yana Kunitskaya.
If Norma Dumont can’t make weight on such brief discover, @YanaKunitskaya1 may very well be the most suitable choice:she’s by no means missed weight, is Kayla’s teammate, and certain prepared whereas already understanding the sport plan. https://t.co/xQbfZZbpam
— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) January 14, 2026
Others shared their ideas on the fallout.
Cris Cyborg led the best way, saying her perception that Kayla Harrison’s sturdiness is being diminished with every minimize to 135 lbs.
It’s a must to surprise if @KaylaH is extra sturdy at 145. I can’t think about these cuts to 135 being a sustainable profession. https://t.co/Bm8YUg1oQc
— CrisCy₿org.Com (@criscyborg) January 14, 2026
2026 simply began and MMA already took one thing from us 😢 Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes scratched. #UFC324
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 14, 2026
😭 Sean O’Malley reacted fortunately to the information that Kayla Harrison is out of #UFC324“Critically? I’m a co-main? UFC324 I’m a co-main!”(by way of @SugaSeanMMA) pic.twitter.com/qIi12Ri60Q
— Residence of Struggle (@Home_of_Fight) January 15, 2026
