Breaking: Kayla Harrison Officially Signs With UFC—Date, Opponent & What It Means for the Women’s Division

Kayla Harrison’s meteoric 2025 shows no sign of slowing. Fresh off her submission victory over Julianna Peña to claim the UFC women’s bantamweight title at UFC 316, the two-time Olympic judo champion is already preparing for what could be the biggest women’s fight in MMA history—an expected clash with former double-champion Amanda Nunes—while basking in hometown hero status in Middletown, Ohio. HOMETOWN CELEBRATION SIGNALS NEW ERA FOR MIDDLETOWN SPORTS FANS On July 10 the city of Middletown and Middletown High School rolled out the red carpet for their most decorated athlete. Hundreds filled the Wade E. Miller Arena for a free rally, autograph session and live podcast taping, celebrating Harrison’s unprecedented résumé: two Olympic golds, two $1 million PFL championships and now a UFC belt. HARRISON VS. NUNES: RIVALRY YEARS IN THE MAKING The next chapter could unfold against former teammate Amanda Nunes. Nunes re-entered the UFC anti-doping program this week, a required step toward an official comeback. Harrison told fans at the UFC 318 ceremonial weigh-ins that she would waive the usual six-month testing requirement “for a small fee,” underscoring her eagerness to fight the Brazilian legend. WHY THE SUPER FIGHT MATTERS • Star Power: Harrison’s Olympic pedigree and unbeaten UFC run versus the woman widely considered the GOAT is marketing gold. • Division Impact: The bantamweight roster gains instant depth and attention with two elite names atop the rankings. • Potential Date: With Nunes now in the testing pool, January is the earliest possible return. Promotional insiders point to the July 4 White House event as an even bigger stage, giving both athletes time for full camps. FROM JUDO TATAMI TO UFC OCTAGON Harrison’s success stems from a relentless training ethic forged during her Ohio childhood and sharpened at American Top Team before moving camps to focus on MMA striking. That evolution showed against Peña, where she secured a third-round arm-triangle after dominating on the feet. COMMUNITY IMPACT Middletown city officials credit Harrison’s story for inspiring local youth programs and increasing enrollment in judo and wrestling clubs. The city has already begun planning annual “Kayla Days” that will feature clinics, meet-and-greets and scholarship drives. WHAT’S NEXT • Contract Talks: Negotiations for Harrison-Nunes are expected to accelerate after UFC 318. • Media Blitz: Harrison will appear on national morning shows next week, further boosting mainstream awareness. • Training: Sources say she returns to full camp Monday, focusing on southpaw boxing angles specific to Nunes’ style. BOTTOM LINE Kayla Harrison has transformed from Olympic icon to UFC champion and now stands on the verge of a legacy-defining showdown. Whether it happens in January or on Independence Day, the countdown to Harrison vs. Nunes has officially begun, and fans—from Middletown to worldwide search engines—are already clicking in anticipation.