UFC 324 is shaping up to be a historic event, and one of the matchups fans are buzzing about is the co-main event: Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes.
This fight has everything: an undefeated Judoka powerhouse taking on one of the greatest strikers in women’s MMA history.
When a dominant grappler meets a knockout artist, the fight instantly becomes interesting for analysts, fans, and bettors.
In this article, we break down both fighters in detail, examine their styles, and deliver the Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes prediction based on skills, past performances, strengths, and weaknesses.
Introduction to Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes
This matchup represents two completely different approaches to MMA.
Kayla Harrison brings elite-level grappling, world-class judo, and a submission system that she has used to dominate almost every opponent she has faced.
Amanda Nunes, on the other side, presents explosive striking, unmatched knockout power, and the experience of facing and beating the best fighters in the world.
Both women have proven themselves inside the cage. However, the key question for UFC 324 is simple:
Can Kayla Harrison take Amanda Nunes down before getting caught with a knockout punch?
Or can Amanda Nunes stop the takedown attempts long enough to land her power shots?
Let’s break it all down.
Kayla Harrison – The Submission Specialist
Kayla Harrison has built her career on strong grappling fundamentals. Her judo background gives her a unique advantage in the clinch, and once she secures a takedown, she rarely lets opponents escape. She is patient, smart, and extremely technical on the ground.
Kayla’s Strengths
1. Strong Takedowns
Kayla has an exceptional ability to close the distance, lock the clinch, and toss her opponents down using judo throws or double-leg takedowns.
Her timing is excellent, and she rarely wastes energy. Once she grabs hold of her opponent’s body, it is usually the beginning of the end.
2. Tight Submission Game
Harrison’s submission skills are dangerous from multiple positions. She finds openings during ground-and-pound exchanges and quickly transitions into:
- Rear-naked choke
- Arm triangle choke
- Kimura
- Armbar
- And other opportunistic submissions
Her ability to switch positions smoothly often surprises opponents who think they are safe.
3. Ground Control
Kayla does not rush. She secures dominant positions step-by-step, suffocates her opponent with pressure, and waits for the perfect moment. Her top pressure is heavy and extremely difficult to escape.
4. Fight IQ
Even though she is still adding depth to her striking, her decision-making is excellent. She rarely makes mistakes and sticks to her game plan with discipline.
Amanda Nunes – The Knockout Queen
Amanda Nunes is one of the most feared strikers in women’s MMA. Her power, speed, and accuracy have led her to some of the most iconic wins in UFC history. When she connects, opponents feel it immediately.
Amanda’s Strengths
1. Knockout Power
Amanda’s punches are fast, sharp, and brutal. Her most famous win was against Ronda Rousey, where she dismantled the former champion in less than a minute. She uses:
- Jab-cross combinations
- Hooks
- Overhands
- Leg kicks
- And precise counterattacks
Amanda does not need many strikes to end a fight. One clean punch can put anyone to sleep.
2. Striking Variety
Nunes mixes her strikes beautifully. She switches between head shots, body shots, and kicks effortlessly. Her ability to keep opponents guessing makes her an unpredictable threat on the feet.
3. Octagon Experience
Amanda has fought the best fighters in multiple divisions. She has more experience in five-round wars, high-pressure matchups, and championship environments. She knows how to stay calm and pick the right moments to explode.
4. Takedown Defense
While not perfect, Amanda’s takedown defense is better than many people acknowledge. She has fought strong grapplers before and managed to keep the fight standing when needed.
Grappling vs Striking – The Key Storyline
The fight is simple in theory:
Kayla Harrison wants the takedown. Amanda Nunes wants the knockout.
Whoever dictates where the fight takes place will likely win.
If Kayla chooses to exchange too much on the feet, things may go wrong quickly. Amanda’s striking is sharp, and Kayla does not yet have the level of striking needed to win long exchanges against someone like Amanda.
But if Kayla gets even one clean takedown early in the fight, Amanda is going to be in trouble. Kayla’s submissions are extremely dangerous once she gets the top position.
How Kayla Harrison Can Win
1. Close the Distance Early
Standing at range with Amanda is a dangerous idea. Kayla needs to close the distance, avoid heavy shots, and move into clinch positions where she shines.
2. Use Judo Pressure
Amanda is not used to elite-level judo throws. If Kayla gets her hands on her, she can use hip tosses, trips, and body-lock takedowns to bring the fight to the mat.
3. Secure Dominant Top Position
After the takedown, Kayla should immediately establish control. Half guard or side control gives her options for both submissions and ground-and-pound.
4. Go for Submissions
Kayla’s best route is submission. Whether it’s a rear-naked choke or arm triangle, her finishing skills make her extremely dangerous once the fight hits the ground.
How Amanda Nunes Can Win
1. Keep the Fight Standing
This is the number one key. If Amanda maintains distance and stops the takedown attempts, she can pick Kayla apart.
2. Capitalize on Errors
Kayla does not strike at the same level as Amanda. If she hesitates or shoots from too far away, Amanda can punish her with uppercuts, hooks, and counter punches.
3. Create Chaos Early
Amanda performs best when she pressures early. Fast combinations, aggressive forward movement, and heavy shots can force Kayla out of her rhythm.
4. Use Angles
Moving laterally and avoiding straight lines will make it harder for Kayla to shoot clean takedowns.
Fight Breakdown – Who Has the Edge?
Both fighters are undefeated, both are extremely dominant in their own strengths, and both have finishing power in different forms. However, one main factor decides the slight edge:
Kayla Harrison’s ability to secure takedowns
Amanda has good takedown defense, but Kayla’s level of grappling is different. Her judo throws do not always rely on traditional wrestling setups.
She can throw Amanda from the clinch and does not need space or explosive entries.
Amanda’s striking advantage is huge, but she must keep the fight standing long enough to land the knockout blow.
When analyzing probability, Kayla’s superior takedown and submission skill gives her a slight advantage over Amanda’s striking threat.
Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes Prediction
After studying both fighters, their styles, and how their strengths overlap, the prediction becomes clearer.
If the fight stays on the feet for long stretches, Amanda Nunes is likely to get a knockout. Her precision and power are too dangerous for Kayla to ignore.
But if Kayla Harrison gets the takedown early or even once, the fight shifts completely in her favor.
Amanda has struggled against top-tier grapplers in the past, and Kayla’s Jiu-Jitsu is far more advanced than most fighters in her division.
- Prediction: Kayla Harrison wins by submission
Winning probability:
- Kayla Harrison: 60%
- Amanda Nunes: 40%
Kayla’s ability to drag the fight into her world and search for submissions makes her the slight favorite in this stylistic matchup.
Final Thoughts
Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes is one of the most exciting fights at UFC 324.
It brings the classic clash of styles, grappler vs striker, while also featuring two of the toughest women in MMA. Fans will be on the edge of their seats from the moment the fighters walk out.
If Kayla executes her game plan and gets the fight to the ground, she will likely submit Amanda.
But if Amanda keeps the distance and lands her power shots, she can end the fight with a knockout at any moment.