UFC fans were hit with some tough news last week that left many feeling disappointed. Kayla Harrison had to pull out of UFC 324 after picking up an injury that looks set to keep her out for a while.
UFC fans were hit with some tough news last week that left many feeling disappointed.
Kayla Harrison had to pull out of UFC 324 after picking up an injury that looks set to keep her out for a while.
Plenty of fans had circled this co-main event as one of the standout fights on what’s already been a strong start to the year for the promotion.
Amanda Nunes didn’t let it slow her down though. She reacted to the fight cancellation by heading over to Las Vegas, where she’s staying in training despite being off the card.
The update came from Harrison’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who explained why she hasn’t put a new fight date on the calendar just yet.
Speaking with MMA Mania, he said: “Listen, Kayla is injured. I’m not gonna tell you how long it’s gonna take. Because at the end of the day, there are some people trying to get back too soon. And they will hurt themselves again.”
Kayla Harrison’s pain disappeared instantly after surgery for worrying issues
It was tough to watch Kayla Harrison’s hospital bed video where she explained she wouldn’t be able to fight at UFC 324.
Seeing her in a neck brace and clearly emotional really brought home how dangerous the sport can be even away from the cage.
Her manager has since revealed that Harrison’s neck problems have been a long-standing issue, not something that happened overnight.
Ali Abdelaziz spoke about what led to her withdrawing from the card this weekend and what steps they were taking next during his interview with Submission Radio.
“She couldn’t lift her arm,” he shared. “She literally went and got an injection, a whole bunch of medicine, anti-inflammatory, nothing worked. The UFC flew her to New York and the doctors said immediately she needs surgery because if she doesn’t get a surgery, this can paralyse her.”
This was clearly a frightening moment for Harrison and those around her. But according to Abdelaziz, the two-time Olympic gold medalist felt immediate relief once the operation was done.
The manager praised the UFC for arranging top-level care quickly and called it “the best decision” Harrison could have made for herself.
Kayla Harrison’s manager discusses timeline for potential White House Fight
Early reports indicated that Kayla Harrison’s recovery from neck surgery could take up to six months, putting her participation in the UFC White House event in June very much in doubt.
With Harrison being the only American currently holding a title, her involvement always seemed likely if she was fit enough to compete.
Ali Abdelaziz spoke to Submission Radio about the chances of his fighter making it back in time and had nothing but praise for her approach and determination.
“Nothing’s impossible for this young lady,” he shared. “She is so driven and she’s so disciplined and she’s so motivated. At the end of the day, we can’t go against science but this is the goal. This is the perfect scenario. This is what we want… If she’s 80-70 [percent], she will be fighting.”
Category: General Sports
