Harrison Resumes Full Training After Spine Surgery

Kayla Harrison has resumed full training for her postponed title fight with Amanda Nunes, nine months after emergency cervical spine surgery forced her withdrawal from the UFC 324 main event.

Anderson Franca, Harrison's muay thai coach at American Top Team, told Sherdog that the two-time Olympic judo gold medalist began full training three weeks ago and is preparing for a November 14 date in New York. "Her injury was very serious. She had to undergo surgery and spent several months unable to train, but she made a great recovery," Franca said.

Harrison's Path to GOAT Status

The UFC women's bantamweight champion faces Nunes, the former two-division titleholder widely considered the greatest female mixed martial artist in history. Franca, who coached Nunes for her 2018 knockout of Cris Cyborg, said Harrison views the matchup as essential to her legacy. "Kayla is an Olympic champion driven by challenges. She wants to be known as the greatest of all time, and to achieve that she knows she has to beat Amanda," he said.

Franca added that the bout represents more than a championship defence. "This is about more than the belt. It's a fight for legacy, and it will be decided by the smallest details. Whoever makes fewer mistakes will leave with the title."

The fight was originally scheduled for December 2025 before Harrison's injury. UFC has not formally announced the November date.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Kayla Harrison back in full training for Amanda Nunes after emergency surgery