Kayla Harrison, the renowned two-time PFL champion and Olympic gold medalist in judo, is set to make her highly anticipated return to the octagon later this month. However, there has been a significant change in her opponent. Originally slated to face former Bellator MMA champion Julia Budd, Harrison will now square off against Aspen Ladd on November 24 at The Anthem in Washington.
A Sudden Change in Plans
The news of Budd’s withdrawal and refusal to fulfill her contractual obligation came as a surprise to many. PFL, the organization hosting the event, did not provide any specific details regarding this development. Nevertheless, this unforeseen circumstance paved the way for Aspen Ladd, a talented former UFC veteran, to step in as Harrison’s new adversary.
Aspen Ladd, hailing from Pioneer, California, had been well-aware of the possibility of competing in the November 24 event. However, she initially expected to serve as an alternate for the 2023 women’s featherweight finals. With Budd’s absence, Ladd has been granted a golden opportunity to face one of the most formidable women in MMA today. Holding a 2-1 record in the PFL, including a victory over Julia Budd herself, Ladd undoubtedly poses a significant challenge to Harrison.
Kayla Harrison’s last appearance inside the cage dates back to 2022. Since then, she has patiently waited for the right moment to return to action. The expectation of a high-profile showdown between Harrison and Cris Cyborg, a renowned fighter from Bellator MMA, had been building earlier this year. However, despite extended negotiations, Cyborg opted to re-sign with Bellator, dashing the hopes of fans eagerly anticipating this clash.
The upcoming event on November 24 is set to be a spectacular showcase for PFL, featuring the highly anticipated 2023 finals matchup in all six of the organization’s promoted weight classes. Furthermore, the card promises to deliver multiple exciting showcase bouts, featuring some of the biggest names on the PFL roster. It is an event that fight fans should not miss.
Kayla Harrison’s return to competition has taken an unexpected turn with the change in opponent. The substitution of Julia Budd with Aspen Ladd adds a new layer of intrigue to the upcoming event on November 24. Both Harrison and Ladd bring formidable skills and achievements to the table, making this matchup one to watch closely. Mixed martial arts enthusiasts can anticipate an exhilarating night of fights as PFL showcases its finest talents in their respective weight classes.
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