COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – In the journey of Kayla Harrison, this past year has been filled with growth and learning.
Harrison (15-1) experienced her first career loss to Larissa Pacheco in November 2022 at the 2022 PFL Championships, which was a unanimous decision.
During her time off, the 2021 PFL lightweight champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka realized the importance of life beyond fighting and the role of faith in her journey.
“When you pause, sit down, and connect with your spirit, your soul, and God, it brings about profound changes in your day,” Harrison shared during a recent PFL media day. “You don’t wake up instantly transformed into a jolly Mary Poppins, but gradually, you start building better days.”
Harrison is preparing for a comeback as she faces Julia Budd (17-6) in a non-tournament, 145-pound bout on November 24th at the 2023 PFL Championships, which will be streamed live on ESPN+ PPV at The Anthem in Washington D.C.
While Harrison has always been driven by a relentless desire to win, she has used this time to expand her horizons outside of the cage.
“(I’m) taking care of my mind, body, and soul,” Harrison explained. “And it may sound trivial, but now I do things for enjoyment. I never did that before. I didn’t tend to plants or have a girls’ night out. Occasionally, maybe, but most of the time I was hyper-focused on becoming this flawless human being, the perfect mom, coaching my kids’ soccer, attending every event, making every meal nutritious, and striving to be the best fighter I could be.”
“Being so obsessed with perfection… I had everything but felt like a robot. Then I started conversing with God and allowed myself to have fun. It created a positive shift in my mental health. It’s not complicated – anyone can do it. Anyone can maintain a gratitude journal and start each day by writing down three things they’re grateful for.”
For more information about the event, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2023 PFL Championships.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72931262/usa_today_21973134.0.jpg "Stay Updated on Wisconsin Badgers Transfer Portal Movements for 2023-2024 Season")
