Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison has established firm boundaries in her personal life, implementing what she calls a “hard rule” against dating other MMA stars. This decision comes after experiencing challenging personal circumstances that led to legal interventions.
“I have a rule like a hard Rule now no more Fighters like I’m not allowed to date Fighters,” Harrison stated firmly in a recent podcast appearance. The UFC star acknowledges the unique challenges of dating as a high-profile female athlete, expressing that she’s “in a really weird conundrum right now.”
Legal Proceedings and Personal Safety
Court records from Broward County, Florida, indicate that Harrison has had to take legal measures to ensure her safety. In September 2021, she obtained a restraining order that was extended twice before being voluntarily dismissed in March 2022.
A subsequent incident in December 2022 required law enforcement intervention at a rental property in Lee County, Florida. According to police reports, deputies responded to a disturbance call and found Harrison in distress. A follow-up complaint was filed in Broward County in February 2023, with the investigation currently pending additional information.
Moving Forward: Personal Growth and Professional Focus
Harrison has been open about her dating experiences and what she’s looking for in a partner. “I’m not high maintenance, I make enough money,” she explained, expressing interest in someone who is “family oriented” and “chill.”
She emphasizes the importance of finding a partner who can handle her success and independence: “I want a partner… I prefer that you have your own stuff going on. I don’t need you but I want you.”
Career Challenges and Physical Toll
While navigating personal challenges, Harrison has also been dealing with physical demands of her career. “I’ve had three surgeries in the last 9 months. Before this period I hadn’t had surgery in 10 years,” she revealed. “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.'”
Despite these challenges, Harrison remains committed to her fighting career: “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.”
Professional Aspirations and Legacy
Now signed with the UFC, Harrison is focused on her professional goals. “I think I’m exactly what the UFC needs right now,” she stated, citing her emotional, physical, and fight IQ maturity. Her competitive spirit remains strong, as evidenced by her ongoing bet with Henry Cejudo regarding a future UFC title win.
Harrison’s journey began with inspiration from Ronda Rousey, whom she trained with early in her career. “She’s the reason I started MMA,” Harrison acknowledged, while maintaining her characteristic competitive edge: “Anything Ronda can do, I can do better.”
