Is Harrison's Injury a Game Changer for Nunes at UFC 324?

Kayla Harrison, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion, has been ruled out of her title defence against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 due to a neck injury requiring surgery. This unexpected setback has led to the postponement of one of the most anticipated bouts in women’s MMA history, with the UFC yet to announce a specific date for the rescheduled fight.

Last updated: 24 January 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

The UFC's confirmation of Harrison's injury comes as a significant disappointment to fans and fighters alike. Harrison, who was poised to defend her title for the first time since winning it in June against Julianna Pena, has seen her plans disrupted by the need for surgical intervention due to herniated discs in her neck. As of now, the UFC has not disclosed the severity of the injury or the expected recovery timeline, which raises questions about Harrison's immediate future in the sport.

Key takeaways

• Kayla Harrison is out of her bantamweight title defence against Amanda Nunes due to a neck injury.
• The fight has been postponed; a new date has yet to be announced.
• The UFC has promoted Sean O'Malley's fight with Song Yadong to co-main event status.

Timeline: how we got here

To understand the context of this recent development, here’s a brief timeline of events leading up to UFC 324:

• June 2024: Kayla Harrison wins the bantamweight title by defeating Julianna Pena.
• January 2025: Harrison is scheduled to defend her title against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324.
• January 2025: News breaks of Harrison's injury, leading to the fight's postponement.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest announcement confirms that Harrison will undergo surgery on her neck, impacting her training and readiness for the fight. There are no details on how long her recovery might take, leaving fans uncertain about her return to the octagon.

What was already established

Prior to this injury, Harrison was regarded as a formidable champion, having won all three of her UFC bouts since joining the promotion in 2024. The fight against Nunes was billed as potentially historic, given Nunes’s stature in the sport and her return from retirement.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK fans, the postponement means that a highly anticipated event will not take place as planned, affecting viewership and ticket sales for UFC 324. The promotion's decision to elevate Sean O'Malley's fight to co-main event status may retain some interest but does not replace the excitement surrounding Harrison and Nunes.

Businesses and jobs

The UFC and associated businesses, including venues and merchandise providers, may experience financial implications due to the rescheduled fight. The expected buzz around such a high-profile matchup typically boosts local economies, especially in Las Vegas, where the event is set to occur.

Policy and regulation

The UFC has a responsibility to ensure fighter safety and well-being, particularly when injuries arise. The promotion's protocols for managing fighter health will be scrutinised in light of this incident. It is crucial to see how they approach scheduling in the future to maintain fighter safety while meeting fan expectations.

Numbers that matter

• 3: The number of fights Harrison has won in the UFC before her injury.
• 35: Harrison's age, making her one of the older competitors in the bantamweight division.
• 24 January: The original date for UFC 324, now altered due to Harrison's injury.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Bantamweight: A weight class in mixed martial arts for fighters weighing between 53.5 kg (118 lbs) and 61.2 kg (135 lbs).
• UFC: Ultimate Fighting Championship, the largest mixed martial arts promotion in the world.
• PFL: Professional Fighters League, an MMA organisation that features a regular season and playoffs.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should monitor updates from the UFC regarding Harrison's recovery and any announcements about a new date for her title defence. It’s essential to stay informed about her health status and any potential implications for her career.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Harrison recuperates, the bantamweight division may see shifts in rankings and opportunities for other fighters. Depending on her recovery timeline, there could be a reshuffling of scheduled matches within the division.

Signals to watch

• Updates on Harrison's surgery and recovery timeline.
• Announcement of a new date for her fight with Nunes.
• Any changes in the bantamweight rankings due to interim fights or match results.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow official UFC channels for the latest updates on fight schedules and fighter health.
• Stay engaged with MMA news to understand the implications of injuries on fighter careers.

Don’t

• Speculate on Harrison’s health without official updates from the UFC.
• Ignore the potential changes in the bantamweight division as a result of this postponement.

Checklist

• Check for updates on Harrison's injury and recovery.
• Monitor UFC announcements regarding fight rescheduling.
• Review other fights on the UFC 324 card to maintain interest in the event.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The uncertainty surrounding the extent of Harrison's injury and subsequent recovery poses risks for both her career and the bantamweight division. The UFC must navigate these challenges carefully to ensure fighter safety while maintaining the integrity of the sport. There is also the possibility that further health complications could arise during her recovery, which could impact future fight schedules.

Bottom line

Kayla Harrison's injury has postponed a pivotal fight in the UFC bantamweight division, leaving fans and competitors awaiting further developments. As the UFC adapts to this sudden change, it is crucial to keep an eye on updates regarding Harrison's health and future fights, as they will play a significant role in shaping the competitive landscape of women's MMA.

FAQs

What happened to Kayla Harrison?

Kayla Harrison has suffered an injury that requires surgery, leading to the postponement of her bantamweight title defence against Amanda Nunes.

When is UFC 324 scheduled?

UFC 324 was originally scheduled for 24 January 2026, but the main event has been postponed due to Harrison's injury.

Who will replace Kayla Harrison in the co-main event?

The UFC has not announced a direct replacement for Harrison; however, Sean O'Malley's fight with Song Yadong has been promoted to co-main event status for UFC 324.