UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison believes she is just two victories away from cementing herself as the greatest female fighter of all time.
Since joining the UFC last year, Harrison has dominated every opponent, including a decisive submission win over Julianna Peña to claim the 135lb title. Her next challenge is the long-awaited showdown with former champion Amanda Nunes, expected to headline UFC 324 on January 24 as the promotion begins its new Paramount+ era.
Speaking to Bloody Elbow, Harrison said a win over Nunes — followed by a victory over flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko — would secure her GOAT status, even if only temporarily.
“When I beat Amanda, and (then) Shevchenko, that will make me the greatest of all time for a finite period of time,” Harrison said. “My goal is to hit that mark, whether it’s for a day or a week. I just want to see how far I can go.”
Shevchenko recently defended her flyweight title again and hinted at wanting to face Harrison. Any matchup between them would need to take place at 135lb, given Harrison’s already tough cut to bantamweight and Shevchenko’s previous history at that weight class.
But first, Harrison must get past Nunes — a fight years in the making and one that could define the legacy of both champions.
