COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – Kayla Harrison is going on 113 days since she became the proverbial belle of the ball after finishing her PFL contract with a second consecutive women’s lightweight title and $1 million prize to enter free agency.
The experience had its ups early on. But now, nearly four months later, Harrison quite frankly is “sick of it.”
“At first it was kind of fun. You got to the dances, go get wined and dined. You feel special. Everybody’s interested in you,” Harrison told MMA Junkie. “… But at this point, I know the fans are sick of it. I know the media is sick of it. I’m sick of it. I’m sure the promotions are all, like, ‘Where the hell is she going? Let’s figure this out.’ And I know that patience is a virtue, and it’s something that I sorely lack. But that this point – I already had to take a year off (2020) almost because of COVID, so I don’t wanna waste any time.”
Just three weeks ago, manager Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA told MMA Junkie that “PFL is the frontrunner” to re-sign Harrison. Where that stands now is anyone’s guess.
Harrison, 31, also has met with UFC president Dana White (and received an offer) and Bellator chief Scott Coker, making it apparent that the former Olympic gold medalist judoka’s services are highly sought after.
So what’s taking so long with getting a deal done? Harrison indicated she’s in the dark.
“I don’t really know what’s going on,” Harrison said. “I’m getting real sick of it at this point. I can’t comment on where I’m going or what I’m doing, but I can comment that I’m getting real sick of it. Whoever wants me, I’m ready to fight. I’m ready to sign on a dotted line, get a contract, get a fight booked. I’m tired of talking about it. I’d like to find either a new home, or I’d like to talk to PFL to continue to make them my home. But I’d like to get this done sooner rather than later.”
In the meantime, Harrison, who is 12-0 in MMA, will continue training hard at American Top Team to stay in top form, hoping her free agency situation sorts itself out.
“I’ve been back to two-a-days for a while now, sparring with the best of the best, just staying hungry, staying ready,” Harrison said. “I’m ready for my opportunity. You never know when your chance is gonna come. You never know when your number is gonna be called.”
Any day now would be nice.
