Kayla Harrison recently shared her thoughts on the crucial role of being a positive influence, particularly for the younger generation. She stands as a beacon of mastery in women’s combat sports. Her unmatched accomplishments speak volumes, positioning her as the very definition of greatness.
Harrison began her judo career in 2008, swiftly dominating her competition at both the Junior and World Judo Championships with an unstoppable streak. She then carried that momentum into the 2012 London Olympics, where she etched her name in history by securing the United States’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in judo.
Harrison replicated her Olympic triumph at the 2016 Rio Games, claiming her second gold medal in the 78 kg division. Following this historic achievement, the 34-year-old Ohio native set her sights on the world of MMA. She made her debut under the PFL banner in July 2018, and within just two years, she ascended to the top, capturing the promotion's women's lightweight championship.
After an impressive 16-1 run in the PFL, Harrison made her long-awaited UFC debut in spectacular fashion, dismantling former champion Holly Holm at UFC 300 this past April - that too in bantamweight, a weight class she had never previously competed in.
Harrison's career has been marked by nothing but success, and she remains focused on staying above the fray in her quest to be a shining example for others to follow.
Harrison On Being Role Model: 'I Take It Very Seriously'
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Harrison was asked about leveraging her popularity to inspire young girls to pursue MMA. The former PFL lightweight champion expressed that being a role model is a responsibility she takes to heart, and it remains one of her ongoing goals.
My goal is always to be the light in the world that I want to see," Harrison said. "I take being a role model very seriously. I consider it an honor and a responsibility.
She emphasized that this is why she makes a conscious effort to avoid any controversy, ensuring that kids can look up to her as a positive example.
That's why, hopefully, knock on wood; as long as I don't have a nervous breakdown, you'll never see me with DUIs or scandals or anything like that because of how I carry myself. I want little girls and boys all over the world to know that if you work hard, surround yourself with people who believe in you and believe in yourself; there's nothing you can't accomplish.
Harrison is preparing for her second appearance in the Octagon, where she'll face Ketlen Vieira in a pivotal clash at UFC 307 that could serve as a bantamweight title eliminator. The pay-per-view event is set to take place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 5.
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