It looks like the hottest free agent in MMA is going to be returning to the PFL. Last year, Kayla Harrison (12-0) continued her perfect run of dominance in the promotion when she captured her second season championship.
It was widely known that Harrison’s contract was up after the 2021 season. After that, Harrison began being courted by all major MMA promotions. The UFC and Bellator both hosted Harrison at their events.
The UFC even gave Harrison the camera treatment at UFC 269 and Dana White hinted at interest in booking her against Amanda Nunes. However, when Nunes lost to Julianna Pena at UFC 269, the UFC’s interest didn’t seem as high.
The promotion was still very interested, but they weren’t at the top of the market. From the beginning, PFL has been coming with the biggest financial offers. Considering Harrison’s place in life and her priorities as a new mom, many considered PFL to be the favorite.
However, that changed last month. PFL resigned with ESPN and upon doing so, they backed off a bit on their efforts to resign Harrison. That’s when Bellator started becoming a very viable option for the top free agent.
Harrison’s PFL return imminent?
Bellator was offering two things that the PFL really couldn’t offer Harrison last month. They were offering her a big financial package and they were offering her the chance to further her legacy by taking on one of the best of all time in Cris Cyborg.
However, after seeing everything unfold, PFL has once again upped their offer per Ariel Helwani. Helwani reported yesterday that the industry expectation is that Harrison will resign with PFL in the coming days. I’m told the deal is likely just going to be for the 2022 season.
Now, one interesting thing to watch out for is Cris Cyborg. The Bellator featherweight champion’s contract is up this year. PFL made a run at her in her last free agency trip but ultimately lost out to Bellator. Perhaps, PFL makes a more serious run this time around to book the Harrison – Cyborg superfight.
I still think personally that the UFC is in Harrison’s future. However, it’s a timing thing and for this place in time, Harrison will remain with the PFL.