Two-time PFL women’s lightweight champion Kayla Harrison had some strong words regarding her thoughts on a potential matchup with current Bellator featherweight champion and MMA legend Cris “Cyborg” Justino.
Harrison, who at 31 stands at 12-0 in her professional MMA career, appeared on her gym American Top Team’s podcast Punchin’ In recently to discuss a range of topics. Now a free agent, Harrison sized up possible landing spots for her in the PFL, UFC, and Bellator.
Regarding “Cyborg,” Harrison hinted that she would be cage-side for the former’s title defense against Sinead Kavanagh on Friday at Bellator 271 in Hollywood, Florida.
Kayla Harrison says Cris Cyborg’s career is on a downward trajectory
“I’m pretty sure I’m going to be cage-side,” Harrison said. “Gonna be fun. Gonna be a good time.”
Despite Justino (24-2) entering her latest title defense on a four-fight winning streak, Harrison feels as though their career trajectories are polar opposites.
“I think my career is going [up] and she’s on the end of her career, I would say… Not to disrespect her at all. I applaud what she’s done,” Harrison said.
The American continued to voice her respect for the Brazilian champion, adding, “I think she’s a great fighter. I think she paved the way, and listen, you have to have respect for someone who’s had such an uphill climb to get to where she is.”
PFL women’s lightweight champion says she would ‘dominate’ the Bellator featherweight queen
If a fight between the two were to materialize, however, Harrison believes her skills would be enough to secure the highest-profile victory of her career.
“I think I’d dominate,” she said. “I mean, realistically, every fight is tough. You have to be smart. You have to be calculated, be a cold killer in there but I have the utmost faith in my coaches and them developing a game plan, and I know I work harder than anybody else in the room, including her.”
If Harrison were to sign with Bellator, a fight with Justino would be one of the biggest women’s featherweight bouts the division has seen since the former Strikeforce champion faced fellow Brazilian Amanda Nunes in a title defense at UFC 232 three years ago.
Justino, 36, has won four straight since that knockout loss to the two-division UFC champion. Including two successful title defenses in the Bellator cage.
Harrison — at two-time Olympic gold medalist Judoka — earned her second straight PFL championship last month by beating Taylor Guardado with a second round submission by armbar.
–Field Level Media
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