Sport: MMA Country: Global Category: Match Previews

Kayla Harrison expected to return to UFC by end of 2026

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 7:00 AM

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

Kayla Harrison expected to return to UFC by end of 2026

Summary

Kayla Harrison's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, stated she is likely to return to fighting in 2026, following a significant neck injury that required surgery in January. Harrison, the Olympic gold medalist, was unable to defend her title or compete in the UFC White House card due to this injury. Her most recent fight was in June 2025, where she defeated Julianna Pena to reclaim her championship. The timeline for her return remains vague, but Abdelaziz emphasized the importance of her recovery, suggesting a potential fight by the year's end.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Harrison underwent neck surgery in January 2026.
•Abdelaziz confirms she will return to fight in 2026.
•Harrison last fought in June 2025, winning against Julianna Pena.
•Harrison's injury resulted in missed title defense against Amanda Nunes.
•There is speculation about reopening the featherweight division for her return.

Latest Updates

7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Will Harrison Return In 2026? ‘For Sure’

What they're saying

"
It’s been more than six months since Kayla Harrison injured her neck. The Olympic gold medalist was forced to go under the knife back in January, which scrapped her planned title defense versus “The Lioness” Amanda Nunes, who returned from retirement specifically to take on her former training partner. Harrison’s neck injury was so severe […]
— Yahoo Sports

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