Kayla Harrison successfully defended her Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight title on Saturday, securing a fourth-round submission victory over Amanda Nunes in the main event of UFC 334. The bout, held at Madison Square Garden in New York, saw the 36-year-old Harrison utilize her background as a two-time Olympic judo champion to neutralize the returning MMA legend.
Nunes, who had not competed since June 2023, initially displayed sharp striking and defended against early takedown attempts. However, Harrison’s grappling pressure proved decisive, as she controlled much of the opening two rounds from a scarf-hold position. By the fourth round, Harrison successfully took the back of her 38-year-old opponent and secured a rear-naked choke, forcing a submission.
In the aftermath, Harrison reflected on her performance, noting her recovery from neck surgery in January. While she did not specify her future plans, she expressed gratitude toward the New York audience. Nunes, who moved to 23 wins and six defeats following the result, did not participate in a post-fight interview.
The event also featured a successful title defense by Ciryl Gane, who retained his heavyweight crown against Josh Hokit. The contest went the full five-round distance, ending in a unanimous decision victory for the French fighter with scores of 48-47 across all three judges. While Hokit found success with takedowns and clinch work in the middle rounds, Gane regained control in the final stages by utilizing effective body kicks and strikes, ultimately opening a cut above the challenger's left eye in the fifth round.
Key facts
- Kayla Harrison defeated Amanda Nunes at UFC 334 on November 14, 2026, in New York.
- Harrison’s record now stands at 20 wins and one defeat.
- Ciryl Gane retained the heavyweight title via a 48-47 unanimous decision over Josh Hokit.
- The UFC 334 event was hosted at Madison Square Garden in the United States.
- Amanda Nunes entered the fight with a professional record of 23 wins and six defeats.
Why it matters
The result marks a significant moment for the UFC bantamweight division, as Harrison successfully defended her title against one of the sport's most decorated competitors. For Ciryl Gane, the victory serves as his first successful defense of the heavyweight championship, solidifying his standing within the division after a highly contested five-round battle.
Source: Al Jazeera
Comments