Olympic judo gold medalist and MMA fighter Kayla Harrison has never shied away from discussing her complex relationship with Ronda Rousey. The two athletes, who were once roommates in Boston, shared a competitive rivalry that ultimately inspired Harrison’s transition to MMA.
“Dude she’s… I can’t knock her, she’s the reason I started MMA,” Harrison revealed on a recent podcast appearance. Despite resistance from her judo coaches, Harrison was motivated by Rousey’s success: “I just saw how successful she was and I was like dude anything Ronda can do I can do better.”
Their relationship began when Harrison first moved to Boston, where Rousey was “the only other girl who was training.” Their connection deepened when Harrison served as Rousey’s training partner for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. During this period, Rousey showed significant support during Harrison’s personal struggles.
“We’re in Belgium and I have maybe $5 in my bank account and she bought groceries and like let me eat so I’m not ever going to say anything bad about Ronda,” Harrison recalled. More significantly, during a period when Harrison was battling PTSD and troubling thoughts, Rousey and their teammates would “kick my door in and be like get up we’re going to training, get up… brush your teeth we’re going to the gym.”
The Physical Toll and Fighting Future
As Harrison continues her MMA career, she’s facing new challenges. The star recently revealed she has undergone three surgeries in just the past nine months, following a decade without any procedures. “Obviously my body is getting to a point where it’s like ‘Hey dude, you’ve been doing this since you were 12. Let’s wrap it up,'” Harrison admitted.
However, retirement isn’t in her immediate plans. “I just love it so much. I love training, I love competing, I love fighting. I love fighting 10 times more than I ever loved judo and it’s so hard to walk away,” she explained. Now signed with the UFC, Harrison believes she’s “exactly what the UFC needs right now,” citing her emotional, physical, and fight IQ maturity.
The Cejudo Challenge
Adding to her competitive drive is a unique bet with fellow Olympian Henry Cejudo. The stakes? If Harrison wins a UFC title, Cejudo will owe her 100 push-ups at any time she demands. If she fails, she’ll owe him 1,000 push-ups.
“He’s going to be asleep in the middle of the night, I’m going to call his ass… He’s going to be at the birth of his new baby, I’m be like Henry give me a push-up,” Harrison joked, confident in her ability to collect on the bet.
Personal Life in the Spotlight
Harrison’s success in combat sports has created unique challenges in her personal life, particularly when it comes to dating. As a high-profile female UFC star, she’s implemented strict boundaries, including a “hard rule” against dating other fighters.
Despite her achievements and independence, Harrison maintains modest expectations in her personal life. “I’m not high maintenance, I make enough money,” she explained, expressing interest in someone who is “family oriented” and “chill.” Her ideal partner would be someone comfortable with her success: “I don’t need you but I want you.”
Legacy in the Making
While Harrison acknowledges Rousey’s crucial role in paving the way for women in MMA, she’s focused on building her own legacy. “I would never been able to accomplish what she has accomplished for the sport of MMA,” Harrison said of Rousey’s impact, particularly in convincing UFC president Dana White to include women’s divisions.
Now, as she pursues UFC gold, Harrison is determined to “solidify myself as the greatest.” With her Olympic pedigree and undefeated record, she’s well on her way to carving out her own place in MMA history, inspired by but not defined by Rousey’s shadow.
