In a recent press conference ahead of UFC 307, Kayla Harrison revealed an intriguing side bet with her friend and main event star Alex Pereira. The former Olympic judoka, set to face Ketlen Vieira in her second UFC appearance, disclosed that she and Pereira have a friendly wager on whose skills will shine brighter in their respective fights.
Harrison, known for her grappling prowess, hinted that the bet revolves around whether her striking or Pereira’s grappling will be more impressive on fight night. This playful competition highlights the close relationship between the two fighters and their mutual drive for improvement across all aspects of mixed martial arts.
“I mean, for sure, he’s definitely come a long way, and he’s extremely well-rounded. I think people really underestimate his grappling ability. We may even have a little side bet going on about who gets the upper hand—whether it’s my striking or his grappling. We have a little bet, so I’m excited to see it. I know he’s going to shine, just like me.”
The revelation came as Harrison discussed her expectations for Pereira’s main event bout against Khalil Rountree.
Harrison’s comments also shed light on her transition to the UFC, describing it as a “dream” that has allowed her to grow both as an athlete and a brand. She emphasized her goal of being “so good they can’t ignore me” in her pursuit of UFC gold.
As UFC 307 approaches, fans will be eagerly watching not only for the outcomes of Harrison and Pereira’s fights but also to see who comes out on top in their friendly side bet.
