Kayla Harrison's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Kayla Harrison.

Kayla Harrison is an American mixed martial artist and former judoka. Notably, she is the current UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion and the first female fighter to win both an Olympic gold medal and a UFC championship. She is also a two-time former Professional Fighters League lightweight champion. As of November 18, 2025, she held the #2 spot in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings, solidifying her position as a leading figure in women's MMA.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Changed weight classes and won Junior World Championship

In 2008, Harrison changed weight classes and won the Junior World Championship.

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 to become the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in judo.

2012: Inducted into Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame

In 2012, Harrison was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame.

2015: Elected to United States Judo Federation Hall Of Fame

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

August 31, 2016: Promoted to Rokudan

On August 31, 2016, following her second Olympic gold medal, the United States Judo Association promoted Harrison to rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt) making her the youngest person in the US to ever be awarded this rank.

2016: Won 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.

2016: Summer Olympics and Promotion to Rokudan

In 2016, Kayla Harrison won gold medals at the Summer Olympics. Also 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.

June 21, 2018: MMA Debut at PFL 2

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

August 16, 2018: Won fight against Jozette Cotton at PFL 6

On August 16, 2018, Harrison faced Jozette Cotton at PFL 6 for her second professional fight. She 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: Defeated 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: Defeated Morgan Frier at PFL 4

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

October 11, 2019: Defeated 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 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. Harrison won the fight by unanimous decision, dominating every round with her superior grappling, to win the 2019 Women's Lightweight Championship.

November 20, 2020: Invicta FC Debut

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. She won the fight via TKO in the second round.

May 6, 2021: Defeated Mariana Morais at PFL 3

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

June 25, 2021: Defeated Cindy Dandois at PFL 6

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

August 19, 2021: Defeated 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. She won the bout in the first round via TKO by way of ground and pound.

October 27, 2021: Defeated 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. She won the bout via armbar in the second round.

May 6, 2022: Defeated Marina Mokhnatkina at PFL 3

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

July 1, 2022: Defeated Kaitlin Young at PFL 6

On July 1, 2022, Kayla Harrison was scheduled to face Julia Budd 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: Defeated Martina Jindrová at PFL 9

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

March 2023: Inducted into International Sports Hall of Fame

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

November 24, 2023: Defeated Aspen Ladd at PFL 10

On November 24, 2023, Kayla Harrison was scheduled to face Julia Budd at PFL 10. However, Budd was removed from the fight and was replaced by Aspen Ladd at a catchweight of 150 pounds. Harrison won the fight by unanimous decision.

April 13, 2024: Won against Holly Holm at UFC 300

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

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

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

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

On June 7, 2025, Kayla 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. Amanda Nunes entered the octagon to face-off with Harrison.