The Kayla Harrison sweepstakes may have just taken a dramatic turn.

This past October, Harrison won her second straight lightweight tournament in the PFL, claiming the million dollar prize and also finishing out her contract with the organization. As one of the most marketable female fighters in the world, Harrison immediately became one of the most highly coveted free agents in recent memory. After Amanda Nunes’ shocking defeat to Julianna Penna, UFC bantamweight champion, in December, all indications pointed towards Harrison being back in the PFL for another year . They didn’t.

Last week, following cryptic Tweets from Harrison, Ariel Helwani reported that talks between Harrison and the PFL had stalled at the goal line. And with Harrison still firmly in the “free agent” category, the two-time Olympic gold medalist is keeping her options open both with regards to her future home and her future weight class.

Speaking with ESPN on Monday, Harrison revealed that she is contemplating a drop to bantamweight, pending discussions with a nutritionist to determine the viability of such a plan.

Harrison stated that she was considering the idea. “I heard that Julianna said she’d move up to 145 if they paid her enough, so that’s good news. That means I don’t have to chop off an arm. … I strive to be the best. Everyone is talking about her….

“Why not? I have to conquer one mountain at a time, though. Whatever mountain comes next.”

It is clear that Harrison might be open to a move down to the bantamweight limit of 338 pounds. She won her two PFL championships at the lightweight limit of 519 kg, and her Olympic gold medals at [******************************************************************************************************************************************** ******************************************************************************************************************************************************** Still, a move down to the bantamweight limit of 135 pounds is a big drop for Harrison, who won her two PFL championships at the lightweight limit of 155 pounds, and her two Olympic gold medals at 78 kg, roughly 171 pounds. Harrison did successfully compete once in MMA in the featherweight division, her lone bout outside of the PFL back in 2020, but that still puts her a far way off from bantamweight. Harrison is fortunate that she still has some time before she must make a decision. It appears she may also be close to ending her free agency.

“Other things have happened and there’s some last-minute things happening behind closed doors that I’m not entirely sure now what’s going to happen,” Harrison said about her ongoing free agency.

There is no one else. At this point there doesn’t appear to be one perfect organization for Harrison to go to, especially as Harrison’s priorities are more complicated than they may have been just a few years ago. Harrison, now a mother to two children, admits that she is not solely concerned about her legacy and this may ultimately determine her home.

“Three decades ago, I would’ve said legacy,” Harrison stated. Harrison said, “That’s all that I care about. My advisers, they care about security. Obviously, I have two kids now, so for me, as hard as it is, security comes first. I have to make sure. This life is not guaranteed. There’s no certainties. Tomorrow, I might snap my neck and not fight again. Security is important. However, security is important.

Harrison won gold medals in Judo at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games. She transitioned to MMA in 2018 where she has since amassed a perfect 12-0 record, with five submissions and five TKOs.

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TOP STORIES

Pay. Israel Adesanya: UFC should increase pay for newcomers, touts ‘trickle-down’ effect of his new deal.

Risk. Eugene Bareman surprised Robert Whittaker didn’t ‘risk the biscuit a bit more’ against Israel Adesanya at UFC 271.

Shoey. Tai Tuivasa convinced Dana White to do a shoey at UFC 271 after KO of Derrick Lewis.

Shot. Jared Cannonier hopeful title shot is next after Israel Adesanya endorsement, questions Sean Strickland’s chances.

More. Brock Lesnar admits he ‘probably should have got paid more’ in UFC, compares working for Dana White and Vince McMahon.

Feud. Conor McGregor, Tyson Fury trade shots on Twitter after Fury praises Khabib Nurmagomedov.

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VIDEO STEW

The MMA Hour.

UFC 272 promo.

Chael Sonnen on Andre Arlovski’s continued success.

MixedMollyWhoppery on Petr Yan.

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LISTEN UP

The Co-Main Event. Discussing Israel Adesanya and the rest of UFC 271.

Jack Slack. Discussing the best performances from UFC 271.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Kevin Holland did it again.

Derek Brunson.

Alexander Hernandez.

Renato Moicano looking for work.

Jimmy Crute has come out for a run.

Damn, Dustin Poirier.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bibiano Fernandes (24-4) vs. John Lineker (34-9); ONE: Lights Out, Mar. 11.

Impa Kasanganay (9-2) vs. Raimond Magomedaliev (9-1); Eagle FC, Mar. 11.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

This is my favourite thing I have ever written. Do me a favour and read this book if you don’t have it.

Thanks so much for reading, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

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EXIT POLL

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If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let him know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and like us on Facebook.