Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kayla Harrison

Discover the career path of Kayla Harrison, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Kayla Harrison is an American mixed martial artist and former judoka, currently competing in the UFC as the Women's Bantamweight Champion. She holds the distinction of being the first female fighter to win both an Olympic gold medal and a UFC championship. Harrison is also a former two-time Professional Fighters League lightweight champion. As of June 10, 2025, she is ranked #3 in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings, highlighting her achievements and current standing in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1999: Jimmy Pedro Won Gold Medal

In 1999, Kayla Harrison's coach, Jimmy Pedro, won the gold medal at Birmingham, United Kingdom.

2008: Changed Weight Classes and Won Junior World Championship

In 2008, Harrison changed weight classes from the ‍–‍63 kg division to the ‍–‍78 kg division. She also won the 2008 Junior World Championship that year.

2010: Won Gold Medal at World Championships

In 2010, Harrison won the gold medal in the ‍–‍78 kg category at the World Championships.

2010: World Judo Championships Gold Medal

In 2010, Harrison won the women’s 78 kg gold medal in the World Judo Championships.

2011: Bronze Medal at World Championships in Paris

In 2011, Harrison placed third at the World Championships in Paris, taking the bronze medal after losing to Audrey Tcheuméo of France in the semi-final.

August 2, 2012: Won Olympic Gold Medal in Judo

On August 2, 2012, Kayla Harrison won the Olympic title in the ‍–‍78 kg category, defeating Gemma Gibbons of Britain by two yukos, becoming the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in judo.

2012: 2012 Summer Olympics Gold Medal

In 2012, Harrison won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics.

2015: Election to the United States Judo Federation Hall Of Fame

In 2015, Harrison was elected to the United States Judo Federation Hall Of Fame.

August 31, 2016: Promotion to Rokudan

On August 31, 2016, the United States Judo Association made a batsugun promotion of Harrison to rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt), making her the youngest person in the US to ever be awarded this rank.

October 2016: Signed with World Series of Fighting

In October 2016, Harrison signed with World Series of Fighting, initially as a commentator with plans to fight in the women's 145 pounds (66 kg) division.

2016: 2016 Summer Olympics Gold Medal and Promotion to Rokudan

In 2016, Harrison won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics. In 2016, she was promoted to Rokudan (6th-degree black belt) by the United States Judo Association, becoming the youngest ever to achieve the rank.

2016: Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Kayla Harrison earned a second Olympic gold medal in the same weight class in Rio, defeating Audrey Tcheuméo of France.

June 21, 2018: MMA Debut at PFL 2

On June 21, 2018, Harrison made her MMA debut at PFL 2 against Brittney Elkin in the Women's Lightweight division, winning via submission due to an armbar in the first round.

August 16, 2018: Won Fight at PFL 6

On August 16, 2018, Harrison faced Jozette Cotton at PFL 6 and won the fight via TKO in the third round.

2018: Defeated Moriel Charneski at PFL 11

In 2018, Harrison was on the main card for PFL 11 and defeated Moriel Charneski via first-round TKO.

May 9, 2019: Won Fight Against Larissa Pacheco at PFL

On May 9, 2019, Harrison was expected to headline the first event of PFL's second season against Svetlana Khautova, but Khautova withdrew and was replaced by Larissa Pacheco. Harrison won the fight by unanimous decision.

July 11, 2019: Won Fight Against Morgan Frier at PFL 4 and Signed Contract Extension

On July 11, 2019, Harrison faced Morgan Frier in the co-main event of PFL 4 and won the fight by key lock submission in the first round. Subsequently, Harrison signed a new long-term contract extension with the PFL.

October 11, 2019: Won Fight Against Bobbi Jo Dalziel at PFL 7

On October 11, 2019, Harrison was originally scheduled to face Genah Fabian at PFL 7, but Fabian was forced to pull out and was replaced by Bobbi Jo Dalziel. Harrison won the fight by an armbar in the first round.

December 31, 2019: Won the 2019 Women's Lightweight Championship

On December 31, 2019, Harrison faced Larissa Pacheco in a rematch for the Women's Lightweight final at PFL 10 and won the fight by unanimous decision, securing the 2019 Women's Lightweight Championship.

November 20, 2020: Debut at Invicta FC 43

On November 20, 2020, with the 2020 PFL season cancelled, Harrison signed with the Invicta FC and made her debut in the Featherweight division against Courtney King at Invicta FC 43, winning the fight via TKO in the second round.

May 6, 2021: Won bout against Mariana Morais at PFL 3

On May 6, 2021, Kayla faced Mariana Morais on May 6, 2021, at PFL 3 for the start of the 2021 season. She won the bout via TKO in the first round.

June 25, 2021: Won Bout Against Cindy Dandois at PFL 6

On June 25, 2021, Kayla faced Cindy Dandois on June 25, 2021, at PFL 6. She won the bout in the first round via an arm bar submission.

August 19, 2021: Won Bout Against Genah Fabian at PFL 8

On August 19, 2021, Kayla faced Genah Fabian in the Semifinals of the Women's Lightweight tournament on August 19, 2021, at PFL 8. She won the bout in the first round via TKO by way of ground and pound.

October 27, 2021: Won bout against Taylor Guardado at PFL 10

On October 27, 2021, Kayla faced Taylor Guardado in the Finals of the Women's Lightweight tournament on October 27, 2021, at PFL 10. She won the bout via armbar in the second round.

March 2022: Signed with Bellator MMA

In March 2022, Harrison signed a contract with Bellator MMA.

May 6, 2022: Won Bout Against Marina Mokhnatkina at PFL 3

On May 6, 2022, Harrison faced Marina Mokhnatkina on May 6, 2022, at PFL 3. She won the bout via unanimous decision.

July 1, 2022: Won Bout Against Kaitlin Young at PFL 6

On July 1, 2022, Harrison was scheduled to face Julia Budd on July 1, 2022, at PFL 6. However, Budd pulled out due to injury and was replaced by Kaitlin Young. Harrison won the bout, with the referee stoppage at the 2:35 mark of the first round.

August 20, 2022: Won Bout Against Martina Jindrová at PFL 9

On August 20, 2022, Harrison faced Martina Jindrová in the Semifinals off the Women's Lightweight tournament on August 20, 2022, at PFL 9. She won the bout in the first round via arm-triangle choke.

November 25, 2022: Lost Bout Against Larissa Pacheco at PFL 10

On November 25, 2022, Harrison faced Larissa Pacheco for a third time in the finals of the Women's Lightweight tournament on November 25, 2022, at PFL 10. She lost the fight via unanimous decision.

March 2023: Induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame

In March 2023, Harrison was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.

November 24, 2023: Won Bout Against Aspen Ladd at PFL 10

On November 24, 2023, Harrison was scheduled to face Julia Budd at PFL 10 on November 24, 2023. However, Budd was removed from the fight because she "refused to fulfill her contractual obligation" and was replaced by Aspen Ladd at a catchweight of 150 pounds. Harrison won the fight by unanimous decision.

December 2023: Deal Termination with PFL

Harrison's deal with PFL was set to be terminated in December 2023.

January 23, 2024: Signed with UFC

On January 23, 2024, Dana White announced that the UFC had signed Harrison and that she would make her promotional debut.

April 13, 2024: Won Fight Against Holly Holm at UFC 300

On April 13, 2024, Harrison made her bantamweight debut against Holly Holm on April 13, 2024, at UFC 300. Harrison won the fight against Holm by a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

October 5, 2024: Won Bout Against Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307

On October 5, 2024, Harrison faced Ketlen Vieira on October 5, 2024 at UFC 307. She won the fight by unanimous decision.

June 7, 2025: Won the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship at UFC 316

On June 7, 2025, Harrison competed for the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship against Julianna Peña at UFC 316. She won the championship via kimura at the end of the second round, earning a Performance of the Night award.