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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

March 2023: Induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame

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

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.