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In a spectacular debut at UFC 300, Kayla Harrison showcased her immense talent by mauling former champion Holly Holm and securing a victory with a rear-naked choke submission, marking a significant milestone in her MMA career.
Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, entered the octagon with high expectations, and she delivered beyond imagination. Her performance against Holm not only silenced any doubts about her ability to compete at bantamweight but also established her as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC.
The fight started with an early clinch that saw Harrison execute a throw, quickly followed by a reversal from Holm. However, Harrison wasted no time in asserting her dominance, landing on top and unleashing a barrage of punches and elbows on Holm, who found herself trapped against the cage.
As the first round ended, it was evident that Harrison's ground-and-pound game was a major threat to Holm. The second round saw a similar story unfold, with Harrison nearly locking in a guillotine choke before transitioning to take Holm's back.
The rear-naked choke that followed was executed with precision and power, forcing Holm to tap out at just 1:47 into the second round. Harrison's ability to control the fight and capitalize on opportunities demonstrated her readiness for elite competition in the UFC.
Reflecting on her victory, Harrison expressed her respect for Holm and her determination to claim the UFC title. She mentioned,
"I want my title next. I don’t care if it’s Raquel [Pennington], I don’t care if it’s Julianna [Pena], by the end of the year, I will be UFC champion."
With her impressive debut and dominant performance, Harrison has undoubtedly become a rising star in the bantamweight division, and her call for a title shot has already sparked excitement among MMA fans worldwide.