Harrison's Manager Confirms 2026 Return

Kayla Harrison will return to the Octagon in 2026, according to her manager Ali Abdelaziz.

The UFC women's bantamweight champion has been sidelined with injuries since capturing the title from Julianna Pena last summer. Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie that Harrison will fight before the year ends, though he prioritised her health over rushing back. "Yeah, she will fight this year for sure," he said. "Towards the end of the year, she will fight, but I'm the one honestly, I said, 'You know what? I want you to take your time, don't rush, be healthy.' That's the most important thing for her to do."

What Harrison's Return Means For Nunes Superfight

Harrison's target remains a showdown with Amanda Nunes, the retired GOAT who many consider the greatest female fighter in MMA history. That matchup has been delayed by Harrison's recent injuries, but the timeline suggests it could materialise before December if both fighters are healthy. Abdelaziz argued Harrison can afford to wait. "She's the champion, everybody is chasing her, they have to wait for her," he noted, per the same outlet.

Harrison holds Olympic gold medals in judo and entered the UFC after dominating the PFL lightweight division. Her Pena victory cemented her as the sport's newest crossover star. The Nunes fight would rank among the biggest bouts available in women's MMA if Harrison can return at full strength in the final months of 2026.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Kayla Harrison’s manager reveals that she will compete in 2026