TLDR
- Kayla Harrison expects to have a CT scan next week to determine when she can return to training after neck surgery
- Harrison said she will start drilling if the scan looks good, then return to sparring a couple weeks later
- The UFC champion called former star Ronda Rousey ‘irrelevant’ during recent interviews about her comeback
- Harrison has threatened retirement to push for better fighter conditions, claiming the UFC has ‘taken years off her life’
- Her postponed fight with Amanda Nunes, considered the greatest female fighter of all time, could happen later this year
Sources: Bloody Elbow | Bloody Elbow | BJPenn.com
UFC champion Kayla Harrison has provided an update on her return to fighting after undergoing neck surgery earlier this year. The two-time Olympic judo gold medalist revealed she expects to have a CT scan next week that will determine when she can resume training.
Harrison was forced to withdraw from a scheduled bout against Amanda Nunes earlier this year due to a neck injury that required surgery. Fans worried the severity of the injury might end her career, but Harrison’s recent comments suggest she is on track to return.
During an appearance on the “Death Row MMA” podcast with Jorge Masvidal and Chris Duncan, Harrison joked about the scar from her surgery. “I look like a real assassin now,” she said. “I look like someone tried to get me, but they failed.”
The 34-year-old fighter outlined her comeback timeline in detail. “I think I’m gonna have a CT scan like next week, and if all looks good, then I’m allowed to start drilling,” Harrison explained.
Kayla Harrison plans to force UFC change with retirement threat after having years taken off her life https://t.co/kz9Jdh3EA5 pic.twitter.com/7WWOxKDrWq
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) March 31, 2026
Recovery Timeline and Training Plans
Harrison said she expects to return to full training within a matter of weeks. “I think a couple of weeks after that, I’ll be back to sparring,” she stated during the podcast.
She ended her update with a message to fans and her future opponent. “Mami soon come,” Harrison said, referencing Amanda Nunes’ nickname.
The fight between Harrison and Nunes has been highly anticipated in the MMA community. Nunes is widely considered the greatest female fighter of all time, while Harrison has established herself as one of the sport’s top competitors.
Harrison’s injury came at a crucial point in her UFC career. The postponement of the Nunes fight has delayed what many see as a defining moment for both athletes.
Harrison Criticizes Rousey and UFC Conditions
In recent interviews, Harrison has also made headlines for comments about former UFC star Ronda Rousey. She described Rousey as “irrelevant” during discussions about her comeback plans.
Harrison has expressed frustration with her experience in the UFC beyond just her injury. She has claimed the organization has “taken years off her life” through the demands of fighting and management practices.
The champion has even threatened retirement as leverage to push for changes within the UFC. She aims to use her position to advocate for better conditions for fighters in the organization.
Harrison’s grievances include concerns about health impacts from her career and how the UFC handles fighter management. She has been vocal about these issues while recovering from her neck surgery.
Despite her criticisms of the organization, Harrison appears committed to returning to the octagon. Her recovery progress suggests the Nunes fight could still happen later this year.
Amanda Nunes has remained supportive during Harrison’s recovery period. When asked about her opponent’s injury, Nunes previously stated, “How could I wish her bad?”
Harrison began her MMA career after winning Olympic gold medals in judo in 2012 and 2016. She has built an impressive record in professional fighting and won the UFC championship in her weight class.
The fighter’s next CT scan will be the key factor in determining her exact return date. If the scan shows proper healing, she will begin drilling and progress to sparring within weeks of that clearance.
