Kayla Harrison: 'I'm the best MMA fighter in the world'

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison made her octagon debut at UFC 300 in April against former women’s bantamweight titleholder Holly Holm.  Harrison dominated Holm before finishing her in the second round via submission.  

Prior to her arrival in the UFC, Harrison established herself as one of the best female fighters in the world in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).  She won the PFL Women’s Lightweight Tournament twice before inking a deal with the UFC to compete in the bantamweight division.  

On Oct. 5, the third-ranked Harrison will take on second-ranked Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah.  A win will likely secure the winner a title shot.

“I think she’s a very good fighter.  She’s well-rounded, good jiu-jitsu, good striking.  And I just feel like everybody is tough until you beat them,” Harrison told ESPN MMA.  “I’m not going in there with the illusion or delusion of it’s going to be easy or a walk through.  I’ve trained properly.  I’ve prepared.  My team’s prepared.  

“We have an excellent game plan, and I do believe that I’m the best MMA fighter in the world, and when you believe that and you have that belief in your heart, you go out and you act accordingly.  The proof will show in my performance.”

Related: Referee Herb Dean addresses UFC 306 main event weirdness

UFC 307 is headlined by a women’s bantamweight title bout between champion Raquel Pennington and former titleholder Julianna Peña.  Harrison expects to face the winner and she expects to beat them.  

If Harrison is able to capture the championship, she hopes it draws Amanda Nunes out of retirement for ‘The biggest female fight ever.’  

“I hope so,” Harrison said about inspiring Nunes to return.  “That’s the prayer.”

“I think it’s the biggest female fight maybe ever.  It’s tough.  There have been so many legendary fights amongst women,” Harrison continued.  “She’s the greatest of all time.  She’s the greatest of all time, and if you want to be the greatest of all time there’s no better way to cement that legacy than to take out the greatest of all time.”