Kayla Harrison Out of UFC 324: Neck Surgery Derails Amanda Nunes Superfight
In a massive blow to the upcoming UFC 324 card, the co-main event featuring reigning Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes has been officially postponed. The cancellation comes following the news that Harrison underwent neck surgery this week to repair herniated discs.
This wasn’t just another title defense; it was a legacy-defining clash set to anchor the promotion’s January 24 lineup. With the fight now off the table until later in 2026, the bantamweight division—and the UFC’s promotional schedule—has been thrown into a state of uncertainty.
The Injury: Why Harrison is Sidelined
News broke mid-January that Harrison, boasting a formidable 19-1 record, had traveled to New York to consult with specialists. The diagnosis was severe enough to require immediate intervention: herniated discs in her neck.
Neck injuries are notoriously difficult for grapplers, and for a judo specialist like Harrison, spinal health is non-negotiable. After consulting with both UFC medical staff and outside experts, the decision was made to proceed with surgery rather than risk further injury in camp.
While the surgery was successful, the recovery timeline is significant. Reports suggest she could be out of action for at least six months. That’s if the rehabilitation progresses on time, but there is a chance Harrison won’t be seen till late 2026 or 2027.
A Major Blow To UFC 324
The January 24 event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was not just a standard pay-per-view; it was set to be the first major event under the UFC’s brand-new broadcast partnership.
To kick off this new media era, the promotion needed heavy hitters. Harrison vs. Nunes was widely billed as a “superfight” capable of carrying the commercial weight of such a pivotal card. Its removal leaves a massive void in the lineup.
The promotion now faces the difficult task of reshuffling the deck. While the interim lightweight title fight remains the headliner, finding a new co-main attraction that brings the same level of intrigue as Harrison vs. Nunes is a tall order.
The Impact on the Bantamweight Division
The ripple effects of this postponement extend far beyond a single night in Las Vegas. The women’s bantamweight division is effectively paused.
Amanda Nunes (23-5), widely considered the greatest female fighter of all time, was looking to reclaim her throne. With Harrison out, Nunes has been removed from the card entirely. The UFC opted not to keep Nunes on the bill against a replacement opponent, signaling just how much stock they put into the specific matchup with Harrison.
This decision wasn’t for a lack of volunteers. Top contenders Julianna Peña and Norma Dumont publicly threw their hats in the ring, offering to step up on short notice to save the co-main slot. However, the UFC brass clearly views the Harrison-Nunes narrative as too valuable to dilute with a last-minute replacement fight. They are playing the long game, hoping to preserve the blockbuster pairing for a later date.
What Comes Next?
For now, the bantamweight title picture is in a holding pattern. Harrison will enter a strict rehabilitation protocol under medical supervision. The UFC has stated they will monitor her recovery closely before committing to a new date, but the intention remains to rebook the fight as soon as she is medically cleared.
The focus shifts to the UFC matchmakers, who must now finalize a revised UFC 324 card. Speculation is mounting regarding which fight might be elevated to co-main status, or if the promotion has a surprise addition in the works to salvage the star power of the January event.
For Harrison, the road back to the octagon begins now. For the fans, the anticipation for what insiders called a “historic clash” will only build as 2026 progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Harrison vs. Nunes fight canceled?
Kayla Harrison underwent neck surgery, which forced her to withdraw from the bout to focus on recovery.
When will the fight happen now?
The UFC has confirmed they plan to reschedule the bout for later in 2026 depending on Harrison getting cleared
Is Amanda Nunes still fighting at UFC 324?
No. Despite offers from other fighters to step in, the UFC has removed Nunes from the card to preserve the matchup with Harrison for a later date.
How long will Kayla Harrison be out?
While exact timelines vary based on rehab, reports indicate she could be sidelined for at least six months.
The Waiting Game Begins
Injuries like these absolutely suck and are no joke whatsoever. The collision course between Harrison and Nunes offered a rare mix of high-level skill and promotional firepower. While the delay is frustrating, the eventual meeting between these two titans later in 2026 should be a good fight.
