Ronda Rousey’s former roommate and judo teammate is ready to follow in her footsteps. Two-time Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison has signed with the World Series of Fighting, as first reported by USA Today Sports/MMA Junkie.
It has long been speculated that the 26-year-old Harrison, who won gold in the 78 kg class the past two Olympics, would transition into mixed martial arts (since, after all, there is no such thing as pro judo). Once it was reported that she was training in jiu jitsu and boxing, it became almost inevitable. Well now it is official. However, she won’t start fighting for WSOF right off the bat – instead she’ll start off as a commentator (first at WSOF’s huge card this New Year’s Eve) and brand ambassador, eventually stepping into the cage as a fighter once she feels ready.
“I just want everyone to be excited and expect big things from me,” Harrison told USA Today Sports. “This is only the beginning.
“I’m excited for this new chapter. I’m excited to commentate. I’m excited to be a brand ambassador and help the World Series of Fighting grow their organization, as well as help me grow myself as a fighter, as a brand myself, and my foundation. So it’s all coming together, and I’m really excited to be working with such a positive and professional team.”
What weight class Harrison plans to fight at is unknown at this time, but it will be at a much lighter weight than she competed in judo at (about 172 lbs) – she has mentioned in the past her goal would be to fight at bantamweight (145 lbs).
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