History of Kayla Harrison in Timeline

Kayla Harrison is an accomplished American mixed martial artist and former judoka. She achieved the distinction of being the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in judo. Currently, she competes in the UFC's women's bantamweight division and holds high rankings within the organization, including #2 in the bantamweight division and #7 in the pound-for-pound rankings as of late 2024. Harrison is also a former Professional Fighters League lightweight champion, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in combat sports.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 2, 1990: Kayla Harrison's Birth

On July 2, 1990, Kayla Jean Harrison was born. She is an American professional mixed martial artist and former judoka.

Others born on this day/year

1999: Jimmy Pedro's World Championship Win

In 1999, Jimmy Pedro (Kayla Harrison's coach) won the World Championships in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

2008: Changed Weight Classes and Won Junior World Championship

In 2008, Harrison changed weight classes to the ‍–‍78 kg division. In 2008, she also won the Junior World Championship.

2010: World Judo Championship Win

In 2010, Harrison won the World Judo Championships.

2010: World Championships Gold Medal

In 2010, Harrison won the gold medal in the ‍–‍78 kg category at the World Championships, becoming the first American to do so since 1999.

2011: World Championships Bronze Medal

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

August 2, 2012: Olympic Gold Medal Win

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

2012: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

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

2015: Inducted into 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, following her second Olympic gold medal, 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: Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, 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: Fight against Jozette Cotton at PFL 6

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

2018: PFL 11 Victory

In 2018, Harrison defeated Moriel Charneski via first-round TKO at PFL 11.

May 9, 2019: Fight against Larissa Pacheco

On May 9, 2019, Harrison was originally scheduled to face Svetlana Khautova. However, she faced Larissa Pacheco and won the fight by unanimous decision.

July 11, 2019: Victory Against Morgan Frier and PFL Contract Extension

On July 11, 2019, Harrison faced Morgan Frier at PFL 4, winning by key lock submission in the first round. Subsequently, Harrison signed a new long-term contract extension with the PFL.

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

On October 11, 2019, Harrison faced Bobbi Jo Dalziel at PFL 7, winning the fight by an armbar in the first round after Genah Fabian was forced to pull out of the bout.

December 31, 2019: 2019 Women's Lightweight Championship Win

On December 31, 2019, Harrison faced Larissa Pacheco in a rematch for the Women's Lightweight final at PFL 10, winning by unanimous decision to become the 2019 Women's Lightweight Champion.

November 20, 2020: Invicta FC Debut

On November 20, 2020, with the 2020 PFL season cancelled, Harrison debuted in the Featherweight division for Invicta FC against Courtney King at Invicta FC 43, winning via TKO in the second round.

December 17, 2020: Titan FC 66 Bout Cancellation

On December 17, 2020, Harrison was scheduled to face Jozette Cotton in a rematch at Titan FC 66, but the bout was cancelled the day before due to Cotton's hospitalization from a bad weight cut.

2020: Acquired Custody of Niece and Nephew

In 2020, Harrison acquired full custody of her niece and nephew after her stepfather passed away.

2020: PFL Season Cancellation

In 2020, Kayla Harrison was expected to compete in the PFL season, but the complete season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 6, 2021: Victory Against Mariana Morais at PFL 3

On May 6, 2021, Kayla Harrison faced Mariana Morais at PFL 3, winning the bout via TKO in the first round to kick off the 2021 season.

June 25, 2021: Victory Against Cindy Dandois at PFL 6

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

August 19, 2021: Victory Against Genah Fabian at PFL 8

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

October 27, 2021: Victory Against Taylor Guardado at PFL 10

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

March 2022: Signed with Bellator MMA

In March 2022, Harrison signed a contract with Bellator MMA. However, PFL exercised their matching right, and Harrison re-signed with them.

May 6, 2022: Victory Against Marina Mokhnatkina at PFL 3

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

July 1, 2022: Victory Against Kaitlin Young at PFL 6

On July 1, 2022, Harrison was scheduled to face Julia Budd at PFL 6. However, she faced Kaitlin Young and won the bout, with the referee stoppage at the 2:35 mark of the first round.

August 20, 2022: Victory Against Martina Jindrová at PFL 9

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

November 25, 2022: Loss to 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 at PFL 10, losing the fight via unanimous decision.

March 2023: Inducted into International Sports Hall of Fame

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

November 24, 2023: Victory against Aspen Ladd at PFL 10

On November 24, 2023, Harrison faced Aspen Ladd at PFL 10, winning the fight by unanimous decision.

December 2023: PFL Deal Termination

In December 2023, Harrison's deal with PFL, which she had re-signed in March 2022, was set to be terminated.

January 23, 2024: Signed with UFC

On January 23, 2024, it was announced that Harrison had signed with the UFC.

April 13, 2024: UFC Debut

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