In the last couple of weeks, it looked like Kayla Harrison (12-0) would be resigning with PFL and wouldn’t be signing with the UFC. After appearing at UFC 269 and after Amanda Nunes left American Top Team, it seemed like things were trending towards Harrison ending up in the UFC.
However, Ariel Helwani then reported that a deal between Harrison and the PFL was on the goal line. Helwani would say on his show The MMA Hour, that it was a done deal. Harrison’s reps also came out and said that the PFL was the favorite to resign her.
However, everything has suddenly changed. Helwani reported last week that the talks between Harrison and PFL had stalled out. They had stalled to the point where they are likely no longer favored to bring back Harrison. They are still in the running, but the UFC is right there now.
Will Harrison sign with the UFC?
Bellator doesn’t seem to be in the running so it seems like this will ultimately come down to the UFC or the PFL. Harrison admitted to ESPN that a lot of her decision will come down to what she wants. Without directly saying it, Harrison hinted that the legacy move would be going to the UFC.
This is the same decision that Michael Chandler made. However, if she wants the most guaranteed money per fight, the PFL is likely the best move. That said, the UFC can open so many more doors for Harrison including analysts gigs and a much bigger platform.
Adding to the intrigue, Harrison said that she’s considering a future move down to bantamweight. Previously, Harrison said there would be no way that she could fight at 135 pounds. However, she’s hiring a number of people who will assist her in trying to make that happen. If she wants to fight at 135, she’s going to the UFC.
There are a ton of big fights for Harrison in the UFC is she’s able to make bantamweight. I think we are getting closer to a final decision and I would say it’s 50/50 right now between the PFL and UFC.