She’s back! UFC champ Kayla Harrison announces her octagon return is imminent – ‘There’s a timeline’

“Oh, your girl’s back, baby, I’m back,” Harrison said. “I’m not going to make any announcements, but yeah, I think there’s a timeline. I’m back, I’m back on the mats, feeling good. I was sore as all get out last week. Last week was like my first week back training. But yeah, I’m feeling good. I just feel really blessed to be able to do what I love and be able to come back. You never know, with surgery, you never know, but especially with the neck, it’s a scary thing. So, I’m happy.”

Given the UFC’s already packed numbered event schedule — and Harrison’s notoriously difficult weight cut to 135 pounds — a return in late 2026 seems most likely.

If timing lines up, her long-awaited showdown with Nunes could land at Madison Square Garden in November, giving the promotion a massive co-main or headlining attraction for its annual New York City card.

Time will tell — but Harrison is officially back in the mix.

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