UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison is expected to return before the end of 2026 as she continues recovering from a neck injury.
Harrison has not competed since defeating Julianna Pena to capture the bantamweight title last June. She was scheduled to make her first defense against former champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 324, but the matchup was canceled after Harrison suffered the injury.
Harrison-Nunes Fight Delayed Again
The UFC later explored booking Harrison against Nunes at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles. However, those plans have now fallen through, leaving the champion without a confirmed return date.
Nunes has been linked to an interim title fight during Harrison’s absence but has reportedly preferred to wait for the champion.
Harrison’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, told MMAJunkie that he now expects the Olympic gold medalist to compete toward the end of the year.
“Yeah, she will fight this year.”
“Towards the end of the year she will fight but I’m the one honestly, I said, ‘You know what, I want you to take your time, don’t rush, be healthy’, that’s the most important thing for her to do.”
No Return Date Yet
The UFC has yet to announce a new date for Harrison’s title defense. A fight with Nunes remains the most anticipated option once Harrison is cleared to compete. The promotion could also place the matchup on a major card later this year, depending on the champion’s recovery and the rest of the bantamweight schedule.
For now, Harrison’s priority is returning healthy after a lengthy layoff. Her first fight back is expected to be her first title defense since becoming champion.