Olympic Gold Medalist Kayla Harrison Says She's 'Not Cut Out' for MMA
Olympic Gold Medalist Kayla Harrison Says She's 'Not Cut Out' for MMA
After conquering the world of judo by winning her second consecutive Olympic gold medal on Thursday in the women's 78-kilogram weight class, the big questio
After conquering the world of judo by winning her second consecutive Olympic gold medal on Thursday in the women's 78-kilogram weight class, the big question is what will Olympic superstar Kayla Harrison do next--and particularly, will she will transition into MMA?
Having won both her semifinal against Anamari Velensek of Slovenia and then her final against Audrey Tcheumeo of France via armbar, many were quick to compare the former bronze medal-winning Olympian Ronda Rousey, who went on to conquer the world of mixed martial arts in both Strikeforce and the UFC.
But it appears Harrison isn't destined to follow Rousey's path. Speaking after her historic win on Thursday, Harrison was asked whether she would contemplate a mixed martial arts career.
Her response wasn't what many were expecting.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/ZPGIFs/status/764084945107034112" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
"After a match, you shake the person's hand, and you give them a hug, and you bow to them to show respect," Harrison said. "In MMA, it's not like that, and I'm not sure... I'm not cut out for a world where you get fights based on how pretty you are or how much you talk and not necessarily what you are worth in the ring.
"So, for me right now, it's just going to be focusing on being a two-time Olympic champion and enjoying the moment, living in the moment. Never say 'never,' but right now, the answer is 'no' to MMA."
Having won both her semifinal against Anamari Velensek of Slovenia and then her final against Audrey Tcheumeo of France via armbar, many were quick to compare the former bronze medal-winning Olympian Ronda Rousey, who went on to conquer the world of mixed martial arts in both Strikeforce and the UFC.
But it appears Harrison isn't destined to follow Rousey's path. Speaking after her historic win on Thursday, Harrison was asked whether she would contemplate a mixed martial arts career.
Her response wasn't what many were expecting.
[tweet url="https://twitter.com/ZPGIFs/status/764084945107034112" hide_media="0" hide_thread="1"]
"After a match, you shake the person's hand, and you give them a hug, and you bow to them to show respect," Harrison said. "In MMA, it's not like that, and I'm not sure... I'm not cut out for a world where you get fights based on how pretty you are or how much you talk and not necessarily what you are worth in the ring.
"So, for me right now, it's just going to be focusing on being a two-time Olympic champion and enjoying the moment, living in the moment. Never say 'never,' but right now, the answer is 'no' to MMA."