Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Kayla Harrison’s star is brighter than ever.
The two-time Olympic Judo gold medalist built up her mixed martial arts (MMA) resume largely in the Professional Fighter’s League (PFL) cage. She made her debut for PFL and became a champion there, building an impressive 16-1 professional record in her five years on the roster. Earlier this year, however, Harrison finally jumped ship for the UFC’s Octagon, a move many fight fans have been eagerly anticipating for years.
The big obstacle was presumed to be weight class, as Harrison had never fought at 135-pounds prior to her UFC debut. Fortunately, the Olympian came prepared, making weight and then dominating former champion Holly Holm en route to a second-round submission victory (watch highlights). At 33 years of age, Harrison is a much-needed injection of talent into the women’s Bantamweight title picture, and most everyone is happy she’s on the UFC roster.
Well, not quite everyone.
Though PFL found Donn Davis had a hand in allowing Harrison to transition to the UFC, he doesn’t appear all that impressed by her decision. In an interview with veteran referee John McCarthy, Davis used a basketball analogy to diss Harrison as “a follower who needs validation.”
“It’s interesting,” Davis said on the Weighing In podcast. “Some people at the very top of their career are LeBron James, and some at the very top of their career are Kevin Durant. And they’re both otherworldly basketball players, but who they are is very different people. One wants to lead and change their sport, and wherever they are is the best in the world. The other is a follower who needs validation, and we couldn’t do anything about that.”
That’s a pretty bold description of the first female Judo gold medalist in American history.
Fortunately, both parties are free to go their separate ways now. Harrison can pursue her UFC title dreams, and she’ll likely find herself in an undisputed title fight sooner than later. Davis, meanwhile, can continue to push the envelop and hold events all around the world … if he can pay his athletes.
@criscyborg ?
We want it..the fans want it..
Where are the PFL? @DonnDavisPFL @PeteMurrayPFL
— Larissa Pacheco (@lpacchec) May 22, 2024
I have not formally been sent any bout offer for any fights this entire year.
Athletes deserve the ability to be offered at least 2 fights a year.
It’s impossible to build momentum and grow your brand with the fans fighting any less.
— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) May 22, 2024
owes Stephen A. Smith an apology letter … unfortunate.
Cowboy Cerrone talks about his emotions during his fight with Conor McGregor…
“He gave me an Exit and I took it”
“When you’re a kid all you want is the big fight, the last place I wanted to be was in that arena that night”
Even legends struggle… #MMA #UFC pic.twitter.com/WJRT0ywVSM
— MMA Casuals (@MMA_CASUALS_) May 21, 2024
One Championship’s Stamp Fairtex is facing a long recovery after a serious meniscus injury.
Per surgeon’s statement, Stamp will need to wear a knee brace for 2 weeks in the “stretcher position” with her leg fully vertical.
Then she will need to use crutches to walk, without putting weight on her left side.
Can return to training after 2-3 months. Injury can be… pic.twitter.com/s7vCtkReCI
— Nicolas Atkin (@nicatkinONE) May 22, 2024
Dustin Poirier heard Islam Makhachev’s prediction for their title fight and offered up his own thoughts.
pic.twitter.com/VS9cCiLBiU
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) May 22, 2024
