Kayla Harrison destroys Holly Holm at UFC 300

Former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm welcomed two-time Olympic Gold medalist and former PFL champion Kayla Harrison to the octagon at UFC 300 on Saturday.  

Holm entered the bout ranked fifth in the women’s 135-pound division.  She last fought in July 2023, losing to Mayra Bueno Silva via submission before the result was ruled a no contest after Bueno Silva tested positive to a banned substance.  

Harrison last fought in November defeating Aspen Ladd by unanimous decision in a fight that took place at 150 pounds.  Making her 135-pound debut, there were some questions about how Harrison would perform at the weight.

The two touched gloves and Harrison connected with a jab.  Holm circled on the outside and Harrison delivered an inside leg kick.  Harrison closed the distance and Holm clinched.  Harrison tossed Holm to the ground but Holm immediately reversed her.  They worked their way back to their feet but stayed in the clinch along the cage.  

Holm drug Harrison to the ground but Harrison gained top position.  Harrison delivered two hard right hands.  She postured up and connected with two more big shots.  Midway through the round, Harrison was mauling Holm.  She delivered clean elbows.  Harrison stood over Holm and dropped into her guard with a right hand.  Harrison continued to connect with elbows, but Holm survived the round.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Harrison.  Some might have scored it 10-8.  

Harrison took the center of the cage to start the second frame.  Harrison aggressively pursued Holm.  She fired off a head kick but Holm blocked it.  Harrison quickly clinched.  She tossed Holm to the canvas and mounted her.  Holm got to her knees and Harrison locked on a rear-naked choke that forced Holm to tap out.  

Allow me to introduce myself 🗣@KaylaH gets the submission victory in round 2! #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/iqHsNgpl7w

— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2024