Kayla Harrison’s untimely injury has left the UFC scrambling for a co-main event replacement for January 24.
The 35-year-old was set to face Amanda Nunes in what is being considered by many to be the greatest fight in women’s MMA history. The bout was set to feature the consensus best female fighter in UFC history, Nunes, taking on the first person to ever win both an Olympic and UFC gold, Harrison.
Some considered the Harrison vs. Nunes clash to be the main attraction of UFC 324, so where does the company go from here now that the fight is no longer taking place?
According to some sources, ‘The Lioness’ may be on the verge of getting a replacement lined up less than two weeks out from the fight. One name that could save the event is Ronda Rousey, whose star power remains as she teases a return to combat sports.
Despite the pair previously meeting inside the cage, UFC veteran Tim Elliot believes Rousey would be the perfect replacement to face Nunes.
Ronda?
— Tim Elliott (@TElliott125) January 14, 2026
Several other names have been floating around to welcome Amanda Nunes back into the octagon.
Norma Dumont is a standout choice. The fellow Brazilian is ranked #4 in the UFC bantamweight rankings, and believes there’s no better time than now for her to make the step up in competition after winning six straight inside the octagon.
“I just found out that Amanda and Kayla’s fight is off,” Dumont said on Instagram. “I already told the UFC that I’ve kept my weight down because I knew this might happen…”
“I’ve already let them know that I’m ready to fight in 10 days, in a month, in two or three months. I’m ready to go.”
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Related: Daniel Cormier discourages Amanda Nunes interim title fight following Kayla Harrison injury
Former UFC strawweight, Diana Belbita, has weighed in on a possible opponent for Amanda Nunes.
Belbita believes that if Norma Dumont isn’t given the opportunity, the next woman in line should be Yana Kunitskaya.
If Norma Dumont can’t make weight on such short notice, @YanaKunitskaya1 could be the best option:she’s never missed weight, is Kayla’s teammate, and likely ready while already knowing the game plan. https://t.co/xQbfZZbpam
— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) January 14, 2026
Others shared their thoughts on the fallout.
Cris Cyborg led the way, announcing her belief that Kayla Harrison’s durability is being diminished with each cut to 135 lbs.
You have to wonder if @KaylaH is more durable at 145. I can’t imagine these cuts to 135 being a sustainable career. https://t.co/Bm8YUg1oQc
— CrisCy₿org.Com (@criscyborg) January 14, 2026
2026 just started and MMA already took something from us 😢 Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes scratched. #UFC324
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) January 14, 2026
😭 Sean O’Malley reacted happily to the news that Kayla Harrison is out of #UFC324“Seriously? I’m a co-main? UFC324 I’m a co-main!”(via @SugaSeanMMA) pic.twitter.com/qIi12Ri60Q
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 15, 2026
.webp?ssl=1 "5 Winners and 5 Losers from 2026 so far – who has started the season in style?")
