Randy Couture breaks down Kayla Harrison’s upcoming UFC debut and says in relation to legacy-defining moments, her switching promotions was a no brainer.
As Kayla Harrison prepares to make her UFC debut against Holly Holm, Hall of Famer and PFL commentator Randy Couture understands exactly why she left the promotion where she made her name – even when it means admitting to a harsh truth about becoming the most effective MMA athlete she might be.
Kayla Harrison to finally make her promotional debut at UFC 300
Two-time Olympic gold medallist and former PFL lightweight queen Kayla Harrison is finally set to make her UFC debut in only just a few weeks when she takes on former world champion Holly Holm on the prelims of UFC 300.
Harrison has earned 16 wins as knowledgeable MMA athlete, with six victories coming by means of KO/TKO and one other six by means of submission, suffering only one defeat in the method – albeit by the hands of the extremely talented Larissa Pacheco in 2022.
Standing across from Harrison on the T-Mobile Arena can be fan favorite Holly Holm, who has gone 3-1 since losing to Amanda Nunes for the bantamweight title in 2019, but is undefeated in her last two bouts after Mayra Bueno Silva returned an hostile drugs test, later identified to be ADHD medication.
Randy Couture shares ‘harsh truth’ surrounding the PFL vs UFC
Whilst PFL fans were heartbroken to listen to that Kayla Harrison can be leaving the promotion in favor of joining the UFC last yr, not many were necessarily surprised by the switch – including Hall of Famer and PFL commentator, Randy Couture.
Speaking at a PFL press conference, via MMA Mania’s YouTube channel, Couture noted “Truthfully, I wasn’t that surprised to see Kayla go ply her wares and check out her hand within the UFC.”
“Let’s be honest, the UFC continues to be the most important promotion in the game with over 650 fighters signed to that roster, they’re a marketing machine,” said the three-time UFC heavyweight champion, before admitting:
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“If you need to be counted as among the best of all time, you’re probably going to need to step in that arena sooner or later and I believe that’s her goal.”
Couture, who was the UFC’s first-ever two-division champion, shared that Harrison isn’t here for just the paycheck, as a substitute “she’s set out to ascertain a legacy on this sport,” one that features competing in the most important MMA promotion on the planet.
“I believe she’s grateful that the PFL gave her that platform and the chance to make those moves and do the things she’s done thus far, and that is the subsequent step in that evolution in my view.”
Couture predicts Harrison will defeat Holly Holm at UFC 300
Unsurprisingly, Couture expects Kayla Harrison to execute her gameplan to the fullest effect at UFC 300, sharing that he likes her probabilities against the veteran Holm.
“Boy I inform you what I like her odds, I believe that’s an important match-up together with her and Holly Holm, I believe she’s going to do all of the things that perhaps the previous judo players must have thought of doing as a substitute of attempting to stand in bang with Holly.”
Couture predicts that Kayla will “come out and establish some ground game” early on, making Holly Holm fight firmly in her realm.
“That’s what I expect to see, I do know Kayla, she has no ego [and] she’s going to do what she must do to place yourself in the most effective position to win that fight.”
Kayla Harrison vs Holly Holm takes place at UFC 300 on April 13, from Las Vegas.