When it comes to MMA, there’s only one place to see the best fighters in the world—and that’s the UFC.
Fighters like Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, Anderson Silva, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and countless others have become legends inside the Octagon.
So, how is it that someone with only two UFC fights is being hailed as the “best female fighter on the planet,” while Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili are seemingly left out of the conversation?
Are you serious?
Mike Brown: Kayla Harrison Is the Best Female Fighter in the UFC
During an interview, American Top Team coach Mike Brown declared Kayla Harrison the best female fighter in the world.
“I’m glad it’s finally here. We knew this day would come,” Brown said of Harrison’s title shot. “It’s a little bit extra cool when she started her career with us. She started her training at ATT from zero fights.
“Obviously, she had a decorated judo background. But as far as MMA goes, she’s been with us from the beginning. She’s the best in the world, and it’s time to show everybody.
“She’ll do whatever it takes to prove she’s the best,” Brown added. “I think she’s the best female fighter on the planet.”
The Hype Train Is Real
There’s no denying the buzz surrounding a potential Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes showdown.
“I’ve got to go whoop on Julianna, but that was always the fight I wanted,” Harrison told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn.
“I never meant it disrespectfully. I never meant it like, ‘I’m better than you.’ I just think she is the greatest of all time. To me, that’s a very clear distinction of where she’s placed herself. And I didn’t come to the sport to be second-best.
“May we share the cage with respect and dignity—and may the best woman win.”
Inspiring words. But if that’s the case, why did Harrison re-sign with the PFL in 2022 instead of taking that fight—especially when Nunes didn’t retire until 2023?
Kayla Still Has a Gauntlet to Run
Before we start carving Harrison’s name into the MMA Mount Rushmore, let’s not forget: she still has a fire to walk through.
Julianna Peña is no slouch. She went toe-to-toe with Amanda Nunes, brawled with her, finished her once, and came dangerously close to doing it again with a slick armbar.
I’m not saying Peña will win—she’s a massive underdog. And let’s be honest: when Chael Sonnen picks you, it’s basically the kiss of death (no offense, Chael).
But even if Harrison beats Peña, that alone won’t make her the top woman in MMA. She’s going to need title defenses. And let’s be real—she’s probably going to need to go through Amanda Nunes, who has hinted she’ll come back to fight Harrison.
Kayla Harrison may very well become the best. She’s elite, she’s driven, and she’s got all the tools. But she’s not there yet.
Let’s hold off on the crowning until she clears the path laid by legends.
