American · Middletown, USA · Born 2 July 1990American mixed martial artist and judoka, two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo and current Professional Fighters League lightweight champion.
The most decorated judoka in American history transitioning to become one of MMA's most dominant champions — two Olympic gold medals in judo, undefeated PFL champion and a fighter whose grappling mastery is unlike anything the women's game has seen. Mixed martial arts requires mastery across striking, wrestling and ground fighting, combined with the ability to implement strategy under pressure. Career highlights included Olympic Gold 2012, 2016 (Judo), PFL Women's Lightweight Champion x2, First American woman to win Olympic gold in judo. The measure of a great mma athlete is the ability to perform consistently over time, and Kayla's record demonstrates precisely that quality of sustained excellence. Kayla's career stands as a testament to the dedication that sustained excellence in mma demands across many years of competition. Harrison held the women's bantamweight title into 2026, with a blockbuster January defence booked against the returning two-division great Amanda Nunes, who came out of retirement to challenge her former American Top Team stablemate.
She became the first American to win Olympic gold in judo, achieving this feat at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
How They Played
Harrison's fighting style is built around her elite judo background, utilizing superior grappling and throwing techniques to control opponents. She excels at closing distance and taking fights to the ground where her world-class ground game and submission skills become dominant factors.
Lasting Impact
Harrison bridged the gap between Olympic judo success and MMA dominance, proving that elite judo credentials can translate effectively to mixed martial arts at the highest level.
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2012, 2016 (Judo)
- PFL Women's Lightweight Champion x2
- First American woman to win Olympic gold in judo
American Athletes