Kayla Harrison and Ronda Rousey are trading sharp words again. The two former judo teammates and MMA stars have a long history together, but their feud has heated up since Rousey returned to fight on a high-profile Netflix card.
Shared past, different paths
Harrison and Rousey trained together in judo before they moved into mixed martial arts. Rousey won an Olympic bronze medal in 2008. Harrison later won Olympic gold in 2012 and 2016.
Both found success in MMA. Rousey became a global star during her UFC title run. Harrison won two $1 million PFL tournament crowns and later became the UFC 135-pound champion.
The recent flare-up
Tension rose after Rousey came out of retirement earlier this year to take a big fight with Gina Carano that will be shown on Netflix next month. At the same time, Harrison has been recovering from neck surgery while waiting for a possible match with returning former double-champion Amanda Nunes.
Rousey publicly insulted Harrison, calling her a “b*tch,” poking at her charisma and saying her Netflix fight would be bigger and better paid. Harrison had questioned some past judo stories and the claim that the upcoming Netflix fight was the “greatest fight of all time.”
Harrison’s reply
Speaking at UFC Fight Night 274 on Paramount+, Harrison said Rousey’s words come from jealousy. She warned she could be meaner and joked about how odd it must be to hate someone who is “just over here in my backyard feeding chickens.”
Harrison also said the return to fighting appears motivated by money, while she is focused on chasing greatness. She praised Rousey’s role in helping women’s MMA grow and said she would never take that away from Rousey. But Harrison added that Rousey’s Netflix fight is not the greatest ever because it matches fighters who have been away from competition for many years, calling one fighter out for not fighting in 10 years and another for not fighting in 17 years.
Harrison said, “I will never take away the fact that Ronda is probably the most important female fighter. If it weren’t for her, for sure I wouldn’t be where I’m at. I wouldn’t have a job. But this fight is not the greatest fight of all time… I’m chasing greatness. You’re chasing money. We’re different.”
Where things stand
As of now, Rousey has said she plans to return to retirement after her Netflix fight with Carano. Harrison remains focused on recovery and her next big challenge, which could include a return match or a showdown with Amanda Nunes if that bout is booked.
| Fighter | Recent Result / Status |
|---|---|
| Kayla Harrison | Recovering from neck surgery; two-time PFL $1M winner; current UFC 135 lb champion |
| Ronda Rousey | Returned from retirement for a Netflix fight with Gina Carano next month; has said she may retire again after |
| Amanda Nunes | Returning former double-champion; infamously TKO’d Rousey in Rousey’s final UFC fight |
| Gina Carano | Set to face Rousey on Netflix; described in recent comments as out of competition for many years |
UFCcoverage will continue to follow this story as more fights are announced and both fighters prepare for their next moves.
