Kayla Harrison has responded to Ronda Rousey's recent comments, emphasizing her pursuit of greatness while accusing Rousey of chasing money. The rivalry reignited during a press event in New York ahead of Rousey's return to MMA after nearly a decade.
Key points
Kayla Harrison responded to Ronda Rousey's comments
Harrison emphasized her pursuit of greatness
Rousey is returning to MMA after nearly ten years
The rivalry was reignited during a New York press event
Rousey will headline Netflixâs debut MMA card
Mentioned in this story
UFC
NetflixKayla HarrisonRonda Rousey
Photo by Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
Photo by Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images
Once again, the tension between Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison has come back into focus.
The issue resurfaced during a recent press event in New York, where Rousey aimed at the reigning UFC womenâs bantamweight champion. The comments sparked plenty of discussion online.
Rousey is set to return to action for the first time in nearly ten years as she headlines Netflixâs debut MMA card.
Sheâll be facing Gina Carano on May 16, in whatâs being billed as a historic matchup between two trailblazers of the sport.
Rousey has been promoting the fight as one of the biggest moments in womenâs MMA history. But Harrison doesnât quite see it that way and hasnât been shy about sharing her thoughts.
Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Kayla Harrison responds to Ronda Rouseyâs press conference comments
Harrison and Rousey have always drawn comparisons because of how similar their journeys in combat sports have been.
While âRowdyâ took home an Olympic bronze medal in judo, Harrison picked up two golds, one at Rio de Janeiro and another at Tokyo.
When you add that to what sheâs done since moving into MMA, Harrison believes her record now stands above Rouseyâs. Itâs a point she made clear during a recent chat with Paramount.
âI canât imagine what it would be like for someone to come in and beat everything I have ever done,â Harrison said.
âThat would be hard, I get it. Imagine hating me. I am over here in my backyard feeding chickens. Itâs got to be rough.â
Q&A
What did Kayla Harrison say about Ronda Rousey?
Kayla Harrison criticized Ronda Rousey for prioritizing money over greatness, stating, 'Iâm chasing greatness, youâre chasing money.'
Why is Ronda Rousey back in the spotlight?
Ronda Rousey is returning to action for the first time in nearly ten years as she headlines Netflixâs debut MMA card.
What sparked the renewed tension between Harrison and Rousey?
The tension resurfaced during a recent press event in New York where Rousey made comments aimed at Harrison, prompting her response.
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Kayla Harrison dismisses Carano comeback fight as a money grab
The 33-year-old also hit back at Rousey, calling her return bout the biggest fight in the sportâs history, dismissing it as nothing more than a money grab for someone who hasnât fought since 2016.
âThis fight is not the greatest fight of all time. Itâs between someone who hasnât fought in 10 years and is coming off two knockout losses and another woman who â another legend, another pioneer â but hasnât fought in 17 years and is in her forties.
âDonât call it the greatest fight of all time. Iâm chasing greatness. Youâre chasing money. Weâre different,â she added.
Rousey has indicated that unless thereâs a need for a rematch with Carano, this will be her final appearance inside the octagon.