The mainstream media and pop culture try to convince women that they can’t pursue professional careers, have friends, or have a social life if they have a family. In the case of the new Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Women’s Bantamweight (135 lbs.) Champion Kayla Harrison, her children inspired her and showed other moms that motherhood doesn’t mean life ends.   

Harrison began her career as a judo practitioner when she was just six years old. She relentlessly trained, eventually winning two Olympic gold medals—once in the 2012 London Olympic Games and then again in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. It was after those games that she began training with fellow women’s mixed martial arts pioneer and judoka Ronda Rousey and announced her intention to become a professional MMA fighter.  

Harrison went on to sign for the promotion Professional Fighters League (PFL), amassing a 12-0 record and securing her first title in MMA at lightweight (155 lbs.). During her reign as the PFL champion and in the lead-up to her second title, Harrison’s life took a big detour, one that she was not expecting.   

According to a report by ESPN, Harrison’s mother, Jeannie Yazell, suffered a stroke in 2019 and was the legal guardian for her sister’s children. The two children, Kyla, 8, and Emery, 2, remained with Yazell until Harrison’s stepfather, Bob Nichols, suddenly passed away in May 2020.   

On October 25th, 2021, Harrison took custody of her niece and nephew. Just two days before she would defend her title, she announced via Instagram that she legally adopted her children: “… I just officially became the mom of two. Although I’ve felt like a mom for quite some time now, the gift of security knowing that it’s my job forever and ever to protect them, nurture them, guide them, and love them is priceless.”  

As a single mother, she went on to defend her title and claim a million-dollar prize on October 27th, 2021!  

Before motherhood, Harrison wasn’t moved by post-fight speeches with fighters thanking their families. 

 “I can admit that I was like, ‘OK, cool, good for you.’ But they give you a new sense of purpose,” Harrison admitted. “Like, no, I’m fighting for my family. I’m fighting for these two kids.”  

She described how her adopted children changed her: “I want to be the best possible role model for them, and I want to leave behind a legacy, and I want to make them proud. It’s just a totally different aspect when you have kids.”  

The following year, Harrison would go on to compete again in a chance to defend her lightweight strap, just coming up short against Larissa Pacheco in 2022, which would be her only loss, putting her record at 15-1. This one loss would not be the end of her career. Instead, Harrison kept her momentum going, having one more fight in the PFL before signing with the UFC. In the UFC, Harrison would take on former champion Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieria, raising her to 18-1.   

After those wins, Harrison earned her shot to challenge then-champion Juliana Peña at UFC 316. During the lead-up to this bout, Harrison gave a little bit more insight into how she became a mother of two to many fans who were not familiar with her.  

On the UFC Countdown Show, Harrison said, “A bittersweet story: my sister has struggled with addiction for most of her adult life, and so my mother had custody of my niece and nephew. In 2019, my mom suffered a stroke…. becoming a parent overnight is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and it’s also the hardest thing I have ever done—the scariest thing I’ve ever done by far.”  

Harrison defeated Peña via submission in the second round of a five-round fight. In her post-fight interview with commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan, she talked about how she loves her two children unconditionally. She also dedicated her fight to moms, especially single mothers.   

“I know it’s hard, and I know it feels like you are being punished, but you’re not. You are being positioned, and you have a place in those children’s lives,” Harrison said. “You’re there for a reason, you’re seen, and God has a plan for you.”  

Harrison’s story is a testament that no woman is alone and that children are not a hindrance but a gift that can push anyone to be the greatest they can become. Harrison looks to continue to inspire women not just as a fighter but also as a mother as she prepares for her next fight against Amanda Nunes, the former UFC Bantamweight and Featherweight Double Champion. 

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