Kayla Harrison has been forced to step away from her scheduled showdown with Amanda Nunes after suffering a serious neck injury that required surgical intervention, delaying one of the most anticipated women’s fights in UFC history.

Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning UFC bantamweight champion, had been preparing for a high-profile matchup with Nunes, the former two-division UFC champion widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. The bout was expected to serve as a major milestone for the division, pairing two dominant champions with contrasting paths to MMA stardom.

However, those plans were put on hold after Harrison’s neck condition worsened during training. Medical evaluations revealed the severity of the injury, leading doctors to recommend surgery to address the issue and prevent potential long-term damage. Harrison subsequently underwent the procedure and has been ruled out of competition until she completes recovery and is cleared by medical professionals.

The withdrawal represents a significant setback for both Harrison and the UFC. For Harrison, the injury interrupts momentum at a pivotal stage of her career. After transitioning from a decorated judo background into MMA, she quickly established herself as one of the most dominant fighters in women’s combat sports, capturing championships and maintaining a reputation for physical strength and elite grappling. Her arrival in the UFC elevated expectations across the bantamweight division, with the Nunes matchup viewed as a defining test of her legacy.

For the UFC, the postponement removes a marquee attraction that had drawn attention beyond the sport’s core fanbase. A Harrison-Nunes fight had been framed as a generational clash, featuring a reigning champion against a former titleholder whose accomplishments helped shape women’s MMA. With Harrison sidelined, the organization must now reassess short-term plans for the division while keeping the long-term matchup intact.

Harrison has acknowledged the frustration of being forced out of the fight but emphasized that prioritizing her health was the only responsible choice. Neck injuries are among the most serious concerns for combat athletes, and returning to competition without proper healing could jeopardize both performance and safety. By opting for surgery, Harrison signaled her intent to protect her career longevity rather than rush back prematurely.

No timetable has been announced for Harrison’s return, as recovery from neck surgery can vary depending on the nature of the injury and the individual healing process. Rehabilitation and medical clearance will determine when she can resume full training and competition. Until then, the UFC has not confirmed whether Nunes will remain inactive or pursue another opportunity while waiting for Harrison to recover.

Despite the delay, there is strong interest on both sides in rescheduling the bout once Harrison is medically cleared. The fight remains one of the most compelling matchups available in women’s MMA, and neither athlete has indicated a loss of interest in making it happen.

In the meantime, the women’s bantamweight landscape enters a holding pattern. Contenders continue to jockey for position, but the absence of the champion creates uncertainty regarding future title opportunities. How the division unfolds during Harrison’s recovery could influence the eventual stakes of her return.

For Harrison, the focus now shifts away from competition and toward rehabilitation. While the injury has temporarily halted her ascent, her long-term goals remain unchanged. If fully recovered, the delayed clash with Nunes could still deliver the legacy-defining moment that fans and analysts have long anticipated.