Kayla Harrison Prepares for UFC 334 After Two-Level Neck Fusion

Kayla Harrison is scheduled to defend her bantamweight belt against Amanda Nunes at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 in New York. The matchup was previously delayed when Harrison was forced to withdraw from UFC 324 due to severe neck issues. Harrison initially hoped for a disc replacement to aid mobility, but medical examination revealed she required a two-level fusion to address five herniated discs.

The champion described a difficult recovery process marked by intense pain and doubts regarding her future in the sport. Harrison noted that she pursued extensive treatments, including stem cell injections and various medications, prior to undergoing the procedure. Despite the severity of the surgery, she maintains that her preparation is complete and she is ready to face Nunes in an effort to test her capabilities.