Kayla Harrison submits Amanda Nunes in round four to retain UFC bantamweight title

Kayla Harrison retained her women’s bantamweight title on Saturday night, submitting Amanda Nunes with a rear-naked choke in the fourth round of the UFC 334 co-main event at Madison Square Garden in New York. The official result gave the finish time as 1:29 of the round.

It was Harrison’s first defence of the belt. According to the Associated Press, she had spinal fusion surgery in January for a neck injury, which delayed the bout. The New York Post reports that the fight was originally due to take place 10 months earlier.

A fight of two halves

Nunes, a Brazilian former two-division UFC champion who ended a retirement of more than three years to return, started well on the feet. MMA Fighting described hard right hands and a good leg kick from her in the opening round.

Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo gold medallist, soon changed the pattern. She took Nunes down, trapped an arm and landed punches that were not especially damaging. The New York Post said her judo turned the tide, while the AP reported that Nunes ended the first two rounds on her back.

In round two, Nunes was willing to trade grappling exchanges and at one point dragged Harrison down, according to MMA Fighting. Harrison threw her again with the same judo throw as in round one.

The finish

According to MMA Fighting, Nunes looked exhausted at the start of round four, and Harrison took advantage with a trip before following her to the canvas for the choke. The AP reported that Harrison admitted how hard it had been to make the 135-pound limit.

Reaction and what comes next

Harrison said she was still processing the result. “I think I’m still in shock,” she said, according to the Associated Press.

UFC veteran Matt Brown criticised Nunes’ approach on social media, calling it the “Worst. Gameplan. Ever.”, according to MMA Fighting.

Asked by Joe Rogan about her future, Harrison was non-committal. “I’ve got a lot of decisions to make when I get home,” she said, according to the New York Post.

The New York Post said the crowd largely backed Nunes from the start. It was her first loss since ending her retirement.

In the main event, Ciryl Gane was due to defend his UFC heavyweight title against Josh Hokit, according to the Associated Press. MMA Fighting reported that the co-main event aired live on Paramount+.