In a surprising turn of events, Kayla Harrison’s opponent for her upcoming competition has been changed. Originally scheduled to face former Bellator MMA champion Julia Budd, Harrison will now be facing off against Aspen Ladd on November 24th at The Anthem in Washington. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced that Budd had “refused to fulfill her contractual obligation,” leading to the new matchup. While no specific details were given regarding Budd’s withdrawal, this unexpected change has certainly stirred up excitement and anticipation among fans.
Aspen Ladd, a former UFC veteran hailing from Pioneer, California, had been aware of the possibility of competing at the November 24th event. Initially, she was likely to serve as an alternate for the 2023 women’s featherweight finals. With a record of 11 wins and 4 losses, Ladd has already experienced success in the PFL, securing a victory over none other than Julia Budd. Her inclusion in the match against Kayla Harrison has undoubtedly added an intriguing dynamic to this highly-anticipated event.
Kayla Harrison is no stranger to success in combat sports. A formidable force in the MMA world, Harrison holds the distinction of being both a two-time PFL champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo. With a record of 15 wins and only 1 loss, her dominance in competition is undeniable. Having not fought yet in 2023, Harrison had been eagerly awaiting a potential showdown with Cris Cyborg from Bellator MMA. Unfortunately, negotiations fell through, and Cyborg ultimately decided to re-sign with Bellator. As a result, Harrison’s return to the cage has been highly anticipated by both fans and critics alike.
The November 24th event promises to be a spectacle for fight fans, with the 2023 finals matchups across all six of PFL’s weight classes taking center stage. These high-stakes showdowns will determine the champions and solidify the legacies of the fighters involved. Additionally, the card will feature multiple showcase bouts, showcasing an array of talented athletes from the PFL roster. The combination of thrilling championship fights and high-level competition makes this event one not to be missed.
While the change in opponent for Kayla Harrison’s return to competition may have initially come as a surprise, it has undoubtedly added an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming event. Aspen Ladd stepping in as a replacement brings her own formidable skills and experience to the table, ensuring that the fight will be an intense battle. With the prestigious PFL finals and a lineup of showcase bouts, fight fans can expect an evening filled with thrilling action and unforgettable moments.
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