Several reports are now confirming that UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison is officially out of her scheduled co-main event at UFC 324.
The news has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, as Harrison’s withdrawal leaves former two-division champion Amanda Nunes without a confirmed opponent just weeks before the major event.
According to multiple reports, including a detailed update from the Eagle Tribune, Harrison has already undergone surgery in New York to repair herniated discs in her neck.
The procedure reportedly took place on Tuesday, and her recovery timeline is expected to be at least six months, effectively ruling her out of any competition in the near future.
As of now, the UFC has not made an official announcement regarding Harrison’s injury or clarified whether a replacement opponent will be found for Nunes at UFC 324.
However, sources close to the situation suggest the promotion is leaning toward rescheduling the fight once Harrison is fully recovered rather than scrambling to find a short-notice replacement.
Kyla Harrison’s Injury: What Happened?
The key issue forcing Kyla Harrison out of UFC 324 is a neck injury involving herniated discs, a serious condition that can significantly affect a fighter’s long-term health.
Neck injuries are among the most dangerous in combat sports, especially for athletes who rely on explosive clinch work, takedowns, and top pressure, areas where Harrison has always excelled.
According to the report, Harrison traveled to New York to undergo surgery aimed at repairing the damaged discs.
While the procedure was reportedly successful, doctors have recommended a long recovery period.
At 35 years old, Harrison is at a stage in her career where rushing back from such an injury would be extremely risky.
Six months is the minimum estimated recovery time, excluding a full training camp, sparring clearance, and fight readiness.
Realistically, Harrison may not return to competition until late 2026, depending on how her body responds to rehabilitation.
UFC Yet to Confirm Officially
One of the most significant points of contention surrounding this situation is the absence of an official UFC statement.
While multiple reputable outlets have confirmed the surgery and recovery timeline, the promotion has so far remained silent.
This silence has led to speculation among fans and analysts about the UFC’s next move:
- Will they try to save the co-main event with a replacement opponent?
- Will Amanda Nunes remain on the card in a different matchup?
- Or will the fight simply be postponed until Harrison is medically cleared?
Sources indicate the UFC is not panicking and sees rescheduling as the most likely option.
Given the magnitude of the fight and the star power of both athletes, the promotion may prefer patience over a rushed solution.
Amanda Nunes Left in Limbo
For Amanda Nunes, the situation is far from ideal. At 37 years old, every fight carries added importance, and long layoffs are not always welcomed by veteran fighters.
Nunes (23-5-0) was preparing for what many considered one of the most intriguing matchups in women’s MMA history. A showdown with Kayla Harrison represented:
- A clash between two of the most accomplished female fighters ever
- A high-profile co-main event slot
- A legacy-defining opportunity for both athletes
Now, with Harrison sidelined, Nunes finds herself waiting for clarity. Without an official replacement named, her training camp is effectively in limbo.
Fighters typically peak their conditioning for a specific date, and uncertainty can disrupt both physical and mental preparation.
There is also the question of motivation. If the UFC offers a short-notice opponent with less name value, Nunes may be reluctant to accept a risky fight that does little for her legacy.
Why the UFC May Avoid a Replacement Fight
From a business and sporting perspective, replacing Kayla Harrison is not easy.
Harrison is not just another contender; she is the reigning champion and one of the most recognizable names in women’s MMA. Any replacement would likely:
- Lacks the same drawing power
- Be stylistically different, forcing Nunes to adjust late
- Carry less promotional value
The UFC has faced similar situations in the past and often chooses to delay major fights rather than water them down.
A rescheduled Harrison vs. Nunes bout, once both fighters are fully prepared, could headline or co-headline a future pay-per-view with even more buildup.
Kyla Harrison’s Career So Far
Before this setback, Kyla Harrison’s UFC run had been nothing short of impressive. Coming into the promotion with an already decorated background, she quickly established herself as a dominant force at bantamweight.
With a professional record of 19-1-0, Harrison has built her reputation on:
- Elite grappling and physical strength
- Relentless pressure
- Strong clinch control against the cage
Winning the UFC women’s bantamweight title solidified her status as one of the best fighters in the division. A fight against Amanda Nunes was seen as the ultimate test, a matchup fans had been asking for years.
Unfortunately, injuries are an unavoidable part of the sport, and this neck issue may be the toughest challenge Harrison has faced so far.
The Impact on the Women’s Bantamweight Division
Harrison’s absence creates uncertainty across the entire women’s bantamweight division. With the champion sidelined for at least six months:
- Title defenses are effectively frozen
- Contenders may have to wait longer for opportunities
- Matchmaking plans could be reshuffled
If the UFC decides to introduce an interim title, that could further complicate things.
However, given the expected recovery timeline, the promotion may avoid creating unnecessary confusion and simply wait for Harrison to return.
The division has already struggled at times with activity and depth, making this injury particularly disruptive.
Could the Fight Be Rescheduled?
According to sources close to the situation, rescheduling is the most likely outcome. The idea would be to book Harrison vs. Nunes roughly six months down the line, assuming Harrison’s recovery stays on track.
This approach makes sense for several reasons:
- Both fighters get a full training camp
- The UFC preserves a major matchup
- Fans get the fight they were promised
A rescheduled bout could even receive a bigger promotional push, especially if positioned as a comeback fight for Harrison following surgery.
What This Means for UFC 324
UFC 324 was shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest events, and losing a high-profile co-main event is a significant blow. The promotion now faces a tough decision:
- Promote another fight to the co-main event slot
- Add a late replacement for Nunes
- Restructure the card entirely
While the main event may still carry the show, the absence of Harrison vs. Nunes reduces some of the event’s overall buzz.
Fans who purchased tickets or pay-per-view with this fight in mind will be watching closely for updates.
Fan Reaction and Industry Response
The reaction across social media and MMA forums has been mixed. While many fans are disappointed, most have expressed support for Harrison prioritizing her health.
Neck injuries are no joke, and several fighters have seen their careers shortened by rushing back too soon. In that sense, Harrison’s decision to undergo surgery now could extend her career rather than cut it short.
At the same time, there is frustration over the lack of clear communication from the UFC. Fans are eager for confirmation and transparency regarding:
- Harrison’s status
- Nunes’ next move
- The future of the UFC 324 card
What’s Next for Kyla Harrison?
For now, Kyla Harrison’s focus will be on recovery and rehabilitation. The next six months will be critical, not just for her return date but for her long-term health as a fighter.
If her recovery goes well, she could return as the same dominant champion fans have come to expect. If complications arise, the UFC may need to reconsider timelines or even future matchmaking plans.
Either way, Harrison’s absence reminds everyone how unpredictable MMA can be, even at the highest level.
Conclusion
Kyla Harrison being out of UFC 324 is a major development that impacts not just one fight, but the entire women’s bantamweight division.
After undergoing neck surgery in New York to repair herniated discs, Harrison is expected to be sidelined for at least six months.
With the UFC yet to confirm the injury or announce a replacement, Amanda Nunes remains in limbo, waiting for clarity on her next move.
While fans are disappointed, most signs point toward a rescheduled showdown once Harrison is fully recovered.
Until then, UFC 324 moves forward with unanswered questions, and the MMA world waits to see when one of its biggest fights will finally happen.
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