Harrison Denies Nunes Hatred Ahead Of UFC 334

Kayla Harrison insists her bantamweight title defense against Amanda Nunes carries no personal grudge, despite years of tension between the former American Top Team teammates.

The two will meet Saturday at UFC 334 inside Madison Square Garden, where Harrison defends the belt she won by submitting Julianna Peña last June. Nunes returns from a three-year retirement to reclaim the championship she never surrendered inside the Octagon. Harrison told reporters at media day the fight is a sporting contest between two elite athletes, not a blood feud. She rejected comparisons to the Colby Covington–Jorge Masvidal rivalry, per MMA Mania.

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Harrison Addresses ATT Gym Tension With Nunes

The denial followed American Top Team founder Dan Lambert telling ESPN the fighters likely despise each other. Harrison dismissed Lambert as "WWE Dan," citing his professional wrestling connections and willingness to hype storylines. But the friction has roots. Harrison arrived at ATT in 2018 and trained occasionally with Nunes, then an established UFC champion. Their relationship soured as Harrison rose through the ranks and became a credible future challenger. Nunes departed the gym in 2022, later acknowledging Harrison's presence influenced the move.

When the two came face to face after Harrison claimed the title, Nunes reportedly asked if the whole scenario had been orchestrated in advance. Harrison has denied any conspiracy but understands why Nunes might feel betrayed. She told reporters she holds no ill will toward her opponent and framed the bout as a clash of the sport's two best female fighters. The card airs live from New York City on Nov. 14.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — They hate each other?!?! UFC 334’s Kayla Harrison squashes Amanda Nunes bad blood, ATT gym drama rumors — ‘I just want to be the best’