Kayla Harrison: Injury Update & Why She’s Out of UFC 324 – Neck Injury Shocks MMA Fans
Kayla Harrison — the reigning UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo — was set to co-headline UFC 324 against former double-champion Amanda Nunes in what many believed would be one of the biggest women’s fights in MMA history. But in a stunning turn of events just days before fight night, Harrison has been forced to withdraw from the bout due to a neck injury, casting uncertainty on one of the sport’s most anticipated matchups.
News of the injury has dominated MMA headlines, shocking fans around the world as UFC prepares to open its 2026 calendar with a blockbuster card in Las Vegas. This deep-dive article lays out everything you need to know – from the nature of Harrison’s injury and surgery to how her absence affects UFC 324, Amanda Nunes’ plans, and the broader women’s bantamweight landscape.
The Breaking News: Harrison Withdraws From UFC 324
In a late-breaking development on January 14, 2026, multiple authoritative MMA outlets and major sports news sites confirmed that Kayla Harrison has been withdrawn from her co-main event fight at UFC 324 due to a neck injury that now requires surgical intervention.
Harrison’s co-main event bout against Amanda Nunes, which was scheduled for January 24, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, has therefore been postponed indefinitely. The UFC announced that the title defense will be rebooked once Harrison is medically cleared.
Fight fans had been counting down to this showdown since Harrison claimed the bantamweight title in June 2025, and the sudden removal of the fight from the UFC 324 card has left a major hole in the event lineup.
What Happened? – Details of the Neck Injury
According to reports sourced from The Eagle Tribune and MMA Fighting, Kayla Harrison began experiencing neck issues during the final weeks of her UFC 324 training camp. After seeking medical consultation in New York, doctors determined that she had herniated discs in her neck that could not be managed conservatively and required immediate surgery.
The exact circumstances of how the injury occurred have not been fully disclosed, but training injuries in MMA camps are commonplace due to the intense striking and grappling involved. In Harrison’s case, the injury was significant enough that doctors advised against competing until the issue was fully resolved.
This aligns with standard sports medicine practice: when multiple herniated discs are present, surgery is often recommended to prevent long-term damage, particularly when symptoms like nerve compression or persistent pain occur. While we can’t provide medical specifics for Harrison’s case, the decision for surgery reflects serious concern by her medical team.
Kayla Harrison’s Career Leading Up to UFC 324
To understand the magnitude of this development, it helps to look at Harrison’s meteoric rise in MMA:
From Judo Champion to UFC Titleholder
Kayla Harrison first became a household name in combat sports through her unparalleled success in judo. A two-time Olympic gold medalist for the United States (2012 and 2016), she transitioned to mixed martial arts with high expectations.
After dominating the Professional Fighters League (PFL), she signed with the UFC and quickly made a splash. In June 2025 at UFC 316, Harrison captured the Women’s Bantamweight Championship by submitting former champ Julianna Peña, marking her as one of MMA’s most dominant athletes on the rise.
From there, a matchup with Amanda Nunes — widely considered the greatest female MMA fighter of all time — became the natural next step, making UFC 324 one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year.
Amanda Nunes: What Now for the Former Champion?
Amanda Nunes, a UFC Hall of Famer and former double-division champion, was scheduled to return from a two-year retirement to challenge Harrison at UFC 324 — adding even more star power and narrative weight to the event.
With Harrison now sidelined, Nunes’ status on the card is uncertain. Multiple reports suggest that the UFC is exploring options for her — including rebooking the fight once Harrison returns or possibly pairing Nunes with a different opponent. However, Dana White and UFC officials have not yet confirmed a replacement bout.
For Nunes, this represents a major shift from returning in a high-profile title fight to an unpredictable timeline hinging on Harrison’s recovery. Fans and pundits alike are debating whether she should wait for a rescheduled showdown with Harrison or remain active with a different contest.
Impact on UFC 324 and the Fight Card
While Harrison vs. Nunes was one of the marquee attractions at UFC 324 — touted by some as “the greatest women’s fight ever” — the card must now pivot.
The interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett now gains even more prominence as the event’s main attraction, with speculation swirling about which fighters might fill the co-main slot. Former bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley, for example, is rumored to be taking a feature position against Song Yadong.
For UFC executives, adjusting the lineup on such short notice presents promotional and logistical challenges, especially given the significance of this being the first UFC numbered event under the promotion’s new broadcast partnerships.
What This Means for Kayla Harrison’s Future
Recovery Timeline
Reports suggest that Harrison could be out of action for at least six months as she rehabilitates from neck surgery, although official recovery projections vary.
In combat sports, neck injuries — especially those requiring disc repair — are among the more delicate and difficult rehabilitation challenges. For elite athletes, the goal is always a safe return to full training without risking long-term impairment. In Harrison’s case, missing the first half of 2026 seems likely, although an exact timetable hasn’t been publicly shared.
Career Implications
While injuries are always setbacks, Harrison’s place at the top of women’s MMA remains strong. She holds an impressive fight record and remains one of the most marketable athletes in the sport. A successful rehabilitation and return could set up the delayed title fight with Nunes — or future challenges against other top contenders — once she is healthy.
Fans React and MMA Community Weighs In
The MMA community, including fighters, analysts, and fans, has expressed disappointment — but strong support — for Harrison on social media and discussion forums. Many fans voiced their heartbreak over the cancellation and hope for her swift recovery, while others debated potential replacements for Nunes on the UFC 324 card.
Some reactions have been emotional — underscoring just how much anticipation there was for this fight — while others have speculated on new matchups for both Harrison and Nunes down the line.
Overall, the consensus seems to be one of cautious optimism: fans want Harrison healthy and back when she’s ready, even if it means waiting longer for this showdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Kayla Harrison out of UFC 324?
Kayla Harrison was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury involving herniated discs that required surgical treatment, making her unable to compete at UFC 324 as planned.
2. What was Kayla Harrison’s injury?
She suffered multiple herniated discs in her neck — a condition that prompted doctors to recommend surgery and significant rehabilitation.
3. When might Kayla Harrison return to the Octagon?
While no official timeline has been announced, reports indicate she may be sidelined for at least six months as she recovers and undergoes rehab.
4. Is the Amanda Nunes fight rescheduled?
The Harrison vs. Nunes title bout has been postponed. A new date has not yet been finalized, although the UFC plans to rebook it once Harrison is cleared to compete.
5. Who could replace Harrison at UFC 324?
Various options have been discussed by fans and pundits, including potential opponents for Nunes if she stays on the card. However, no official replacement has been announced.
6. How serious is a neck injury for an MMA fighter?
Neck injuries requiring surgery are serious and often require extended rehabilitation. Safety and long-term health are prioritized, so fighters typically return only after full medical clearance.
Conclusion
Kayla Harrison’s withdrawal from UFC 324 due to a neck injury is a major story in MMA — one that affects not only the fighters involved but the entire UFC landscape. While disappointment among fans and media is palpable, Harrison’s health and eventual return are the paramount concerns. As the MMA world waits for updates on her recovery and the rescheduled title fight with Amanda Nunes, one thing is clear: Harrison remains a defining force in women’s mixed martial arts, and her comeback will be keenly watched by fans around the globe.
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