The reigning UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison has spoken of her disappointment after being forced to withdraw from her UFC 324 fight against Amanda Nunes after undergoing neck surgery, postponing one of the most anticipated women’s bouts in MMA. Harrison shared an emotional video statement explaining her decision and thanking supporters while outlining her recovery.
Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and undefeated MMA fighter, was set to face former champion Nunes on January 24 in Las Vegas as the co-main event of UFC 324, the promotion’s first major show of 2026. The bout’s cancellation leaves the card without its marquee women’s title fight and creates uncertainty over when the matchup will be rescheduled.
“This is a tough one,” Harrison said in the video, referring to her withdrawal and surgery. “I had to have surgery on my neck yesterday here in New York City with the specialist, Dr. Kim. So in lieu of that, obviously we’re going to have to reschedule the fight. And I just want to say I’m sorry, I’m sorry to Amanda. I was really looking forward to it.”
Harrison also acknowledged those who supported her through the injury and recovery process. “And I just want to thank everyone. I want to thank the UFC for taking such good care of me, Dr. D and Jen and the whole team over there. I want to thank Dr. Kimmy here in New York for seeing me and taking such good care of me. I want to thank my mom, who’s taking care of my kids at home. I want to thank all my coaches at American Top Team and all my teammates,” she said.
Looking ahead, Harrison described the beginning of her rehabilitation. “This is day one of recovery and the road back starts now,” she said. “I don’t know God’s plans. I know He knows that this is my dream so I gotta praise him in the mountains and I gotta praise him in the valleys, so I’m grateful for this. I hope that it brings me closer to Him and that He uses this story in a mighty way. So, that’s it. I’m sorry, guys. I’ll be back soon. I’ll be back soon.”
Harrison has not provided a specific timeline for her return to competition, and the UFC has yet to announce whether Nunes will receive a replacement opponent or when the title fight might be rebooked. UFC 324’s interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett headlines the Las Vegas event, with Sean O’Malley versus Song Yadong elevated to co-main status.
