Kayla Harrison: PFL ‘Stepped Up in a Big Way’ with Contract Offer, Willing to Co-Promote

Kayla Harrison might be staying put with the Professional Fighters League, but that doesn’t mean she won’t still pursue the toughest competition available.

During an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Harrison praised the promotion for meeting her financial terms and then indicated that cross-promotional opportunities could be in store in the future. Bellator was in the market for the two-time Olympic gold medalist, but PFL reportedly matched the Scott Coker-led promotion’s offer.

“I think there were a lot of contract negotiations. There were a lot of offers, many of them pretty lucrative. Ultimately, the PFL had the right to match any contract I received. They stepped up in a big way,” Harrison said.

"The PFL has ensured me and promised me that they don’t care if they have to cross-promote, co-promote. They don’t care if it’s on Planet Earth or Planet Pluto.”

That statement would seem to align with the one in the PFL announcement of the Harrison re-signing, where CEO Peter Murray mentioned the launch of a “Pay-Per-View Superfight Division.” On SportsCenter, Harrison confirmed she’ll compete in the 155-pound season, where she is a two-time champion, and then hopes to pursue a superfight against a big name. Whether that comes against someone outside the PFL roster remains to be seen.

Harrison also responded to the critics who hoped to see her test her skills against big names in another organization. In the past, Harrison has stated that she wants to be the greatest female mixed martial artist of all time.

“On one hand, I don’t disagree with them. I get it,” she said of the critics. “They want to see me fight the top dogs. I want to fight the top dogs. I’m not running from anybody, I’m not hiding from anybody. I’m more than happy to fight anyone, anywhere, at any time.

“I’m ready to be the greatest. I know I’m not there yet. But I’m ready to put in the work and do it. I can only fight who’s in front of me. I can only get in the cage and be the best possible version of myself.”