Kayla Harrison Biography: Age, Net Worth, Children, Height, Parents, UFC, Judo, Career

Kayla Jean Harrison, known as “Kayla Harrison,” is an American professional mixed martial artist and the current UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, as well as a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo (2012, 2016).

The first female fighter to win both an Olympic gold medal and a UFC championship, she transitioned from a storied judo career to MMA, dominating in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) before joining the UFC in 2024.

Profile

• Full Name: Kayla Jean Harrison
• Stage Name: Kayla Harrison
• Born: 2, July 1990
• Age: 35 years old
• Birthplace: Middletown, Ohio, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Professional Mixed Martial Artist, Former Judoka
• Height: 1.73 m
• Parents: Mr. Harrison and Mrs. Harrison
• Siblings: 2
• Spouse: None
• Boyfriends: Aaron Handy (ex), Anthony Rocco Martin (ex)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Kayla Jean Harrison was born on July 2, 1990, in Middletown, Ohio, to parents referred to as Mr. Harrison and Mrs. Harrison, the latter a judo black belt who introduced her to the sport at age six. She grew up with two siblings and began judo training inspired by a karate commercial, though she didn’t win a match for her first three years.

At 15, she faced sexual abuse from her coach Daniel Doyle, who was convicted and sentenced to ten years. Harrison then moved to Boston to train under Jimmy Pedro, a renowned judoka.

She graduated from Middletown High School and later pursued judo full-time, forgoing traditional college education. She is of American descent and practices Christianity, often referencing her faith as a source of strength.

Career

Harrison’s judo career was illustrious, with a 208-50 tournament record. She won the Junior U.S. Open three years in a row (2005–2007) and became the third American to win the Junior World Championships in 2008. In 2010, she won the World Judo Championships in the 78 kg category, the first American to do so since 1999.

She secured Olympic gold medals in 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio), becoming the first American to win judo Olympic gold. In 2016, she was promoted to rokudan (sixth-degree black belt), the youngest American to achieve this rank, and was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

Transitioning to MMA in 2018 with the PFL, Harrison debuted with a first-round armbar submission against Brittney Elkin at PFL 2. She went 15-0, winning the PFL Women’s Lightweight Championship in 2019 and 2021, each with a $1 million prize, defeating opponents like Larissa Pacheco and Taylor Guardado.

Her only loss came against Pacheco in November 2022 at PFL 10, prompting a move to the UFC. Signed in January 2024, she debuted at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024, submitting former champion Holly Holm via rear-naked choke in the second round, earning a Fan’s Choice Submission of the Year nomination.

She followed with a unanimous decision over Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307 on October 5, 2024, and won the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship by submitting Julianna Peña via kimura at UFC 316 on June 7, 2025, earning Performance of the Night.

Harrison remains a dominant force at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida, training with fighters like Dustin Poirier, who lent her an altitude tent for UFC 307. Her 19-1 MMA record (6 knockouts, 7 submissions, 6 decisions) and judo background make her a formidable grappler, though her striking has been critiqued as developing.

Posts on X praise her strength at 135 pounds, with some predicting a knockout over Amanda Nunes, whom Harrison has called out for a potential title defense, even offering to waive Nunes’ six-month drug testing requirement for a fee. Her next fight is anticipated to be a high-profile clash, possibly against Nunes or Raquel Pennington.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @kaylaharrisonofficial
• Facebook Handle: Kayla Harrison
• Twitter Handle: @KaylaH

Personal Life

Kayla Harrison is single, with her current relationship status undisclosed. She was engaged to judoka and firefighter Aaron Handy in 2012 and dated MMA fighter Anthony Rocco Martin around 2019, but both relationships ended.

In 2020, she gained full custody of her niece, Kyla, and nephew, Emery, after her stepfather’s sudden death and her mother’s stroke in 2019, prioritizing their well-being over her fighting career. Based in Coconut Creek, Florida, she owns a farm with pet emus and enjoys role-playing Harry Potter scenes with her kids.

Net Worth

Kayla Harrison has an estimated net worth of $3 million. Her income includes UFC fight purses, with a reported $100,000 for her UFC 300 debut and a Performance of the Night bonus of $50,000 for UFC 316. Sponsorships, including with American Top Team and brands promoted on her 83,000-follower Instagram, add to her earnings.