TLDR
- Kayla Harrison withdrew from UFC 324 after undergoing neck surgery to repair herniated discs
- Cris Cyborg blamed Harrison’s weight cutting to 135 pounds for causing injury vulnerability
- Harrison’s title defense against Amanda Nunes has been postponed indefinitely
- Recovery from herniated disc surgery typically takes 12+ weeks before returning to normal activities
- UFC will not create an interim title or strip Harrison while she recovers from surgery
Sources: Cageside Press | MMA Fighting | Bloody Elbow
Cris Cyborg has pointed to weight cutting as the root cause of Kayla Harrison’s neck injury that forced her out of UFC 324. The former champion used social media to react to Harrison’s withdrawal, blaming the grueling process of making 135 pounds for creating injury vulnerability.
Harrison underwent surgery Wednesday in New York City to repair herniated discs in her neck. The procedure was performed by specialist Dr. Han Jo Kim after UFC doctors determined surgery was necessary.
The injury forced Harrison to withdraw from her scheduled UFC women’s bantamweight title defense against Amanda Nunes in the UFC 324 co-main event. This marks the first time Harrison has pulled out of a fight in her professional career that began in 2018.
Harrison’s Emotional Post-Surgery Update
Wearing a neck brace and fighting back tears, Harrison addressed fans Thursday from New York. “I had to have surgery on my neck yesterday, here in New York City with the specialist Dr. Kim,” she said in a video posted to social media.
The 35-year-old champion apologized to Nunes and fans for the postponement. “I was really looking forward to it,” Harrison said of the matchup with the returning legend.
Harrison thanked the UFC medical team, including Dr. Jeff Davidson and Dr. Jen Neudorfer, along with her mother and coaches at American Top Team. She described the situation as “day one of recovery” and expressed hope for a quick return.
According to orthopedic specialists, recovery from herniated disc surgery typically takes upwards of 12 weeks for normal work activities. Return to combat sports training will require even more time.
Cyborg’s Pointed Comments Add Fuel to Rivalry
Cyborg’s comments about weight cutting carry extra weight given her history with Harrison. The two fighters have a past rivalry that adds context to the pointed criticism.
Cris Cyborg reacts to longtime rival Kayla Harrison's UFC 324 withdrawal: 'You have to wonder…' https://t.co/VAwEcLGYu3 pic.twitter.com/12wvxT3yjh
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) January 15, 2026
Cyborg has long been an advocate against extreme weight cutting in women’s MMA. She has competed at 145 pounds and heavier throughout most of her career.
Harrison built her early career fighting at higher weight classes in the Professional Fighters League. She won two PFL championships and million-dollar prizes while competing at 155 pounds.
The Olympic gold medalist dropped to 135 pounds when she joined the UFC in 2024. She defeated Holly Holm in her debut before earning a decision win over Ketlen Vieira.
Harrison won the UFC bantamweight title by submitting Julianna Pena in two rounds. The UFC 324 bout would have been her first title defense.
The UFC released a statement confirming the Harrison versus Nunes fight has been postponed. The promotion plans to rebook the matchup at a later date once Harrison recovers.
UFC officials have not discussed creating an interim title or stripping Harrison. Those decisions will depend on her recovery timeline, which remains undetermined.
Several fighters offered to step in as replacements for Nunes on short notice. Norma Dumont, riding a six-fight winning streak, volunteered for the opportunity.
Boxer Amanda Serrano also made a surprising offer to face Nunes, claiming she remained in fight shape from her January 3 boxing match. The UFC did not accept the cross-sport challenge.
The promotion instead opted to remove Nunes from the card entirely rather than book a replacement opponent. UFC 324 will proceed with the Paddy Pimblett versus Justin Gaethje interim lightweight title fight as the main event.
