Kayla Harrison’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, is calling for the Olympic gold medalist and former PFL champion to face a male bantamweight in the UFC. This unprecedented move is a result of the current difficulties in finding a suitable female opponent for Harrison, who dominated Holly Holm at UFC 300 in April.
Harrison, who has a reputation for being an unstoppable force in women’s MMA, is on a mission to become the greatest combat sports athlete of all time. She has set her sights on winning not one, but two championship titles to solidify her legacy. However, her manager believes that the lack of challenging opponents in the women’s division is hindering her progress.
“None of these females want to fight her,” Abdelaziz stated in a recent interview. “So, why not fight some men?” This bold suggestion has sparked a heated debate within the MMA community, with many questioning the feasibility and safety of intergender fighting in the UFC.
While the concept of intergender fighting is not new, it has largely been relegated to novelty bouts or exhibition matches. The UFC, however, has historically maintained a strict separation between men’s and women’s divisions for safety and competitive balance reasons.
Abdelaziz, who also manages the likes of UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, is adamant that Harrison’s exceptional skillset and athleticism make her an exception to the rule. “Kayla is a once-in-a-lifetime talent,” he emphasized. “She has the potential to transcend the sport and become a global superstar.”
A potential male opponent for Harrison could be a mid-tier bantamweight, which would provide a unique and intriguing matchup. However, this would require a significant rethink of the UFC’s matchmaking strategy and safety protocols.
As the UFC continues to navigate the complexities of matchmaking, Harrison’s manager remains resolute in his pursuit of the extraordinary. “If the UFC wants to make Kayla a star, they need to give her the opportunities she deserves,” Abdelaziz asserts. “And if that means fighting a male bantamweight, then so be it.”
