The UFC 324 co-main event was set to feature one of the most anticipated matchups in the women’s bantamweight division: reigning champion Kayla Harrison versus former two-time champion Amanda Nunes.
Fans were eagerly waiting to see the showdown between two of the most dominant fighters in women’s MMA history. But a serious injury derailed the plans and forced Harrison to withdraw just days before fight night.
On Wednesday, Harrison underwent neck surgery in New York City to repair herniated discs. A day later, she shared an emotional video message from the hospital, explaining what happened, expressing her disappointment, and thanking everyone supporting her through this unexpected setback.
Her statement has now become the center of discussion in the MMA world as the UFC navigates its next steps for the division.
This article covers what Harrison revealed about her condition, the timeline of her recovery, the impact on the UFC 324 card, and what this means for the bantamweight division moving forward.
Kayla Harrison Speaks Out After Sudden Withdrawal
Harrison’s withdrawal from UFC 324 was a shock for fans and the promotion alike. The champion is known for her toughness, discipline, and high-level preparation.
Yet even she could not push through a serious neck injury that required immediate medical attention.
In her video message, Harrison appeared visibly emotional while updating fans about the situation.
“Hi guys. I just wanted to give a bit of an update on my end. This is a tough one,” she said. “I had to have surgery on my neck yesterday here in New York City with a specialist, Dr. Kim. Yeah, so in lieu of that obviously we’re going to have to reschedule the fight.”
Her message made it clear that she had been dealing with a serious medical issue and that fighting through it would not have been physically possible.
The surgery to repair herniated discs is a procedure that requires precision and an extended recovery period, which means returning to the octagon is not a short-term option.
A Fight Fans Were Looking Forward To
The matchup between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes was expected to be one of the biggest women’s bantamweight fights in recent UFC history.
Harrison, one of the most decorated judokas in MMA, has been nearly unstoppable since transitioning into the sport.
Nunes, widely considered one of the greatest female fighters of all time, was preparing to challenge for the belt she previously held.
The fight was more than a title defense, it represented a generational collision between legacy and dominance.
With both fighters having strong fan followings and long histories of finishing fights, many believed this clash could define the future of the division.
Unfortunately, the storyline has been interrupted as Harrison now focuses on her health and recovery.
Harrison Apologizes to Amanda Nunes and Supporters
One of the most heartfelt parts of Harrison’s message was her apology to both Amanda Nunes and her fans.
“I just want to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry to Amanda. I was really looking forward to it, and I just want to thank everyone.”
Despite being sidelined, she maintained a fighter’s mindset. Her disappointment was not rooted only in missing the fight, but also in letting down her opponent, the promotion, her coaches, and everyone who had supported her camp.
She also gave special mention to UFC staff, her teammates at American Top Team, and her mother, who is taking care of her children while she recovers.
“I want to thank the UFC for taking such good care of me. I want to thank my mom who is taking care of my kids at home. I want to thank all of my coaches at American Top Team and all my teammates.”
Her words reflected both vulnerability and gratitude — a rare combination from a fighter known for her intense competitive spirit.
Understanding the Injury: Herniated Discs and Surgery
Herniated discs are no minor issue, especially for combat athletes who regularly absorb impact to the neck and spine.
When a disc becomes herniated, it can press against nerves, causing severe pain, numbness, weakness, and loss of mobility.
For an elite athlete preparing for a championship fight, symptoms like these can make training impossible.
Harrison’s decision to undergo surgery rather than postpone treatment shows the seriousness of the injury.
Fighters often try to push through pain, but a spinal issue cannot be ignored. Neck injuries are particularly serious because improper movement can lead to long-term damage.
Harrison chose one of the top specialists, Dr. Kim, in New York City, for the procedure, which indicates the importance of ensuring a full and healthy return.
How Long Will Kayla Harrison Be Out?
As of now, the UFC has not announced a return date for Harrison. The typical recovery window for herniated disc surgery ranges from two to six months, depending on various factors:
- Severity of the injury
- Type of surgery performed
- How well the body responds to physical therapy
- How quickly strength and mobility return
- Whether complications arise during recovery
In her own words, Harrison said:
“This is day one of recovery and the road back starts now.”
That statement adds hope but also signals that fans should expect a patient and measured return to competition.
Harrison is known to maintain a strong work ethic, so she will likely approach rehabilitation with the same intensity she brings to training.
But spinal recovery cannot be rushed, especially for an athlete who relies heavily on grappling, throws, and explosive movements.
A Message of Faith and Resilience
Harrison also spoke about faith during her video, acknowledging that the situation is difficult but something she chooses to face with strength and belief.
“I don’t know God’s plans. I know he knows that this is my dream, so I’ve got to praise him in the mountains and I’ve got to praise him in the valleys.”
This powerful message resonated with fans. It showed that despite her frustration and pain, she is grounded and determined to use this setback as part of her larger journey.
She closed her message with a promise:
“I’ll be back soon.”
Those words alone sparked confidence among supporters that this is not the end of her championship run — just a pause.
Impact on UFC 324 and the Bantamweight Division
Harrison’s injury leaves the UFC 324 card with a major gap. The co-main event was a strong selling point for the pay-per-view, and the promotion must now decide whether to keep Amanda Nunes on the card with a new opponent or postpone the matchup until Harrison is healthy.
From a divisional standpoint, this injury delays the opportunity to determine whether Harrison can cement herself as the dominant face of the bantamweight division.
It also holds up the line of contenders who were waiting for the outcome of the title fight.
Amanda Nunes, in particular, faces uncertainty. Preparing for a championship fight requires a full training camp tailored to a specific opponent.
Losing that opponent at the last minute can disrupt momentum. Whether she waits for Harrison or takes another fight will depend on UFC decisions in the coming days.
How Harrison’s Injury Could Shape Her Future
While injuries are part of MMA, a neck injury is especially serious. However, Harrison’s mindset and medical care suggest that she is fully committed to returning stronger.
Possible scenarios moving forward:
1. A Delayed Championship Clash With Amanda Nunes
The UFC could choose to postpone the fight and set a new date once Harrison is cleared. This may be the most likely scenario, given the high market value of the matchup.
2. An Interim Title Fight
If Harrison is sidelined long enough, the UFC might introduce an interim belt to keep the division moving. This could involve Nunes and another top contender.
3. A Fresh Start With a Full Recovery
Harrison may take her time, return fully healed, and defend her belt later in the year. Several champions in the past have taken prolonged breaks due to injury and returned successfully.
Harrison’s Strong Support System
One of the most uplifting parts of her statement was her appreciation for the people supporting her during this challenging moment.
From her family to her coaches, Harrison made clear that she is not handling this setback alone.
“I want to thank my mom who is taking care of my kids at home.”
This reminder shows the personal side of fighters, beyond the training, wins, and highlight reels, they are parents, partners, and individuals managing their own lives along with their careers.
Her bond with American Top Team also remains strong. Her team has been instrumental in her rise, and their support during her recovery reinforces the loyalty she has built in her MMA journey.
Fan Reactions and Public Support
The MMA community has responded with sympathy and encouragement. Fans recognize that Harrison rarely pulls out of fights unless necessary, and many praised her courage for undergoing surgery and speaking openly about her condition.
The fact that she took the time to address fans just one day after surgery shows her commitment to transparency and gratitude.
Many supporters have expressed that while they are disappointed about the postponement, her health is far more important than any scheduled bout.
A Champion’s Mindset Amid Adversity
Throughout her MMA career, Kayla Harrison has shown the mentality of a champion — disciplined, focused, and relentless.
This injury presents a new type of challenge: a battle not inside the cage but within recovery, patience, and rebuilding.
Her positive attitude, even in pain, reflects the same resilience that made her an Olympic champion and a dominant force in MMA.
Whether she returns in two months or six months, one thing is certain: Kayla Harrison is determined to fight again.
And when she does, her comeback will be one of the major storylines in UFC’s women’s divisions.
Conclusion
Kayla Harrison’s withdrawal from UFC 324 due to neck surgery is a major setback for the event and the bantamweight division, but her openness, courage, and resilience have earned widespread respect.
Her heartfelt apology, gratitude toward her support system, and unwavering belief in her path forward highlight her strength both inside and outside the octagon.
Her recovery timeline remains uncertain, but Harrison has made it clear that this is just a pause — not the end of her journey.
As she said:
“This is day one of recovery… I’ll be back soon.”
Fans, fighters, and the entire MMA community will be waiting for her return.