Miesha Tate skeptical about Kayla Harrison at bantamweight

When it was announced that Kayla Harrison was signed by the UFC most people thought that she’d be competing as a featherweight.  She competed as a lightweight during her dominant reign in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), amassing a 16-1 record.  

She’s only fought once at featherweight but is booked to take on former bantamweight titleholder Holly Holm at UFC 300.  Bantamweight is a 20-pound drop from where Harrison is used to fighting and former UFC bantamweight champion Miesha Tate doesn’t think the weight cut will go well for the two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Judo.  

“When I saw it was at 135, I was shocked, because Kayla Harrison begged for 155-pound division at PFL and she got it and I think she’s been great there,” Tate told Fight Nation on SiriusXM. “She’s been tremendous. I know she’s made 145 before, I think it was tough for her. I think 135 is going to really suck the life out of her, and it’s not the best move.

“I guess I’m speaking from personal experience, because when I went down to 125—although I did it and I still had a pretty decent camp—I just didn’t perform at my best, and I think Kayla is just used to being such a big, strong woman, that she won’t have that on her side, and I’m really curious to see how that’s going to benefit her with someone like Holly, who really does move so well. She really has some of the best footwork in the women’s divisions, and I think that’s going to be tough for Kayla.  And I’m pumped for Kayla.  I’m excited for her to come over here.  I think it’s going to be really good, but if you’re asking me who I think is going to win that fight looking at it right now, I would say Holly.”  

“If you’re asking me who I think is going to win that fight, looking at it right now, I’d say Holly.”@MieshaTate breaks down the x-factors of the #UFC300 matchup between Kayla Harrison & Holly Holm.

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— MMA on SiriusXM (@MMAonSiriusXM) January 26, 2024