Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:52 pm GMT
In the world of mixed martial arts, Kayla Harrison stands out as a significant contender in the Women’s Bantamweight division, especially following her dominant debut against Holly Holm. As the buzz surrounding her potential to reclaim the championship title grows, fighters like Norma Dumont are already speculating on how Harrison’s success might influence the future of the division, particularly regarding the potential return of former champion Amanda Nunes from retirement.
Norma Dumont Advocates for Harrison’s Rise
Norma Dumont, after successfully debuting in the bantamweight category, emphasized the need for star power in the UFC women’s divisions. Currently, Raquel Pennington holds the bantamweight title, which she secured earlier this year after defeating Mayra Bueno Silva. Dumont believes that Harrison’s ascent to the top could energize the division and possibly tempt Nunes to consider a comeback.
“I really hope Kayla wins the belt because then we can convince Amanda to come back,” Dumont stated, indicating that a matchup between Harrison and Nunes could significantly boost the profile of the division. While Dumont acknowledges Harrison’s strengths, she also expressed skepticism about the former PFL champion’s striking abilities.
Dumont’s Insights on Harrison and Nunes
Dumont’s remarks about Harrison were both critical and complimentary. She noted that while Harrison possesses exceptional grappling skills—remarking on her “absurd” grappling ability—there are question marks surrounding her striking. “She sucks on the feet… that makes it an interesting fight,” Dumont said, underscoring the tactical challenges that would arise from facing Harrison.
Moreover, Dumont considers Harrison a significant figure in the division, someone who brings considerable intrigue to the fight landscape. Her reference to Harrison as the “lottery ticket” of the bantamweight class highlights the value she could bring if she secures the championship.
Kayla Harrison’s Next Steps
Harrison has her eyes set on the UFC 307 event, where she will face Ketlen Vieira. Securing a victory against Vieira would likely position her for a title shot against Pennington, adding more pressure but also potential excitement to her career trajectory. Harrison’s journey has seen her evolve from a celebrated PFL fighter to a prominent contender within the UFC.
“I’m focused on Ketlen first,” Harrison commented on her immediate goal. “My long-term aim is the title and beyond that, Amanda if she wants some.” Harrison has expressed a desire for a matchup with Nunes, fueled by their shared history and the competitive dynamic that would undoubtedly arise.
The Impact of Nunes’s Retirement
Amanda Nunes retired in June 2023, leaving behind a legacy as a two-division champion. There is ongoing speculation regarding her potential return, particularly in light of the current situation within the bantamweight division. Nunes’s retirement has created a vacuum that Harrison could fill with her own championship aspirations.
Dumont believes that Nunes’s return would depend on the developments in the division, particularly who holds the championship title. She speculated that Nunes may have a personal interest in returning to face Harrison, viewing the rising star as both a challenge and a motivating factor.
The Current Bantamweight Landscape
As of now, the top contenders in the bantamweight rankings include Julianna Peña, Ketlen Vieira, Kayla Harrison, and Macy Chiasson. Dumont currently ranks ninth, and while she acknowledges the skills of her contemporaries, she expressed a desire for the division to gain more star power. “We don’t have big names,” she pointed out, emphasizing the need for fighters who can draw attention and elevate the sport.
Dumont’s concerns about the lack of high-profile fighters were evident in her analysis. She remarked on the necessity of big titles and challenging opponents for the division to be recognized as elite. This sentiment resonates strongly in the MMA community, where fighters are often defined by their marquee matchups and championship accolades.
Moving Forward
As fight fans look toward UFC 307, the anticipation surrounding the potential showdown between Harrison and Nunes continues to build. Harrison’s performance against Vieira will be critical, as it could determine the trajectory of her career and the future of the bantamweight division.
With Dumont’s aspirations for a more competitive and notable division, the outcomes of these upcoming fights may shape the narrative for women in the UFC significantly. Observers remain keenly aware of the developments, eager to see whether Harrison will secure the title and if Nunes will respond by stepping back into the Octagon.
Things are getting intense in the world of UFC, and we’ll have to wait and see how everything turns out. The next few months are really important for Kayla Harrison, Norma Dumont, and the entire bantamweight division.
