The UFC's first event on its new Paramount+ deal — UFC 324 on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas — just took a major hit.
Women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison has withdrawn from her scheduled title defense at UFC 324 against former champion and longtime training partner Amanda Nunes, who was set to return to the Octagon.
The UFC stacked its first numbered event under the new Paramount deal, but the UFC 324 card took a major hit with Harrison's injury.
In the main event, Justin Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
We will delve into the Kayla Harrison injury and who could fill in for the champ on short notice to face off against one of the greatest female fighters of all-time, Amanda Nunes, at UFC 324.
With UFC 324 and every fight, you can predict who will win UFC fights to earn money on PrizePicks Team Picks, now available in 30 states!
{{ufc_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}
Kayla Harrison Injury News: What Happened to Harrison?
Unfortunately, with UFC 324 fast approaching, Harrison had to withdraw after suffering a neck injury that required immediate surgery. There is no official timetable for her return, but reports suggest she could be out for roughly six months.
That leaves a major hole in the UFC 324 co-main event and raises the question of whether the UFC will cancel the bout or find a replacement to face Nunes, possibly for an interim title.
Who is Kayla Harrison? UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion
Harrison, the former PFL champion and Olympic gold medalist, burst onto the UFC scene by dismantling Holly Holm and dominating Ketlen Vieira before earning a title shot.
Harrison followed by submitting former champion Julianna Peña in the second round to become the undisputed UFC women’s bantamweight champion.
After that dominant performance, she squared off with Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the women’s MMA GOAT, in a matchup billed as one of the biggest in women’s MMA history at UFC 316.
Who Could Step in to Face Amanda Nunes at UFC 324?
Regardless of whether Nunes is kept on the UFC 324 card or not, with such a long injury recovery timeline for Harrison, we're likely to see Nunes face another opponent.
Taking on Nunes is a daunting task even with a full training camp, but a short-notice title opportunity can still entice the right challenger.
One clear candidate is former women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Peña, who has been eager for another shot at Nunes
The series sits at 1-1, with Peña shocking Nunes in their first meeting before Nunes dominated the rematch to reclaim her title. A trilogy may not be the most anticipated option among fans, but Peña remains the most logical replacement if the promotion seeks to keep Nunes on UFC 324.
{{ufc_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}
Make UFC Picks on PrizePicks
As we approach UFC 324 on January 24, there will be considerable speculation on whether UFC president Dana White and the matchmakers will replace Harrison or not.
Before this stacked fight card kicks off, you can make your player projections or UFC futures picks on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks. With Team Picks, make predictions on winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 30 states.
Check out the Playbook throughout the season for more UFC picks, predictions, and news all year long.
