Joe Rogan Flags Kayla Harrison’s Weight Cut As Serious Problem Against Amanda Nunes

Joe Rogan raises concerns about Kayla Harrison’s weight cut.© NDTV Photo Library

Joe Rogan believes Kayla Harrison's brutal weight cut to 135 pounds could be the deciding factor in her UFC 334 title fight against Amanda Nunes. Harrison, who previously competed at 155 pounds in the PFL, has described the cut to bantamweight as her toughest challenge since joining the UFC. Rogan also questioned whether Nunes could experience ring rust after more than three years away from competition. But he believes the former two-division champion's experience could help her return without missing a beat.

Rogan questions Harrison's weight cut

Speaking on his JRE MMA Show #188, Joe Rogan said Kayla Harrison “really shouldn't be fighting at 135.” “She's so big… she has to kill herself to get to ‘35,” he said.

Harrison weighed in at exactly 135 pounds on Friday, clearing the limit for the women's bantamweight title fight. Nunes also made 135 pounds, making the bout official.

Rogan also flagged Harrison's neck surgery as a concern. “She had a disc replaced in her neck. That's a big one,” he said.

Rogan sees Nunes' striking as Harrison's biggest threat

Joe Rogan believes Kayla Harrison's biggest challenge will be dealing with Nunes' striking. The Brazilian is arguably the most dangerous striker in women's MMA history, with 14 knockouts in 23 wins.

“The thing is, in the stand-up, Amanda has such an advantage,” Rogan said. “You go to the Cyborg fight when Amanda knocks out Cyborg. If you knock out Cyborg like that, Cyborg was a destroyer. Some people just have weird power.”

Rogan thinks Harrison must avoid getting drawn into a stand-up battle with Nunes. In his opinion, she should utilise her grappling skills to bring the fight down to the mat.

Nunes returns with another title run in her sights

Amanda Nunes retired in 2023 after defending her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana at UFC 289. She vacated both the bantamweight and featherweight titles when she stepped away.

The Brazilian is now looking to begin a third reign at 135 pounds. She has won 14 of her last 15 fights, with her only loss during that stretch coming against Julianna Pena in 2021.

Harrison will have to overcome an 18-month layoff since capturing the bantamweight title at UFC 316, where she defeated Pena.

The upcoming clash also carries personal history, as Harrison made her professional MMA debut in 2018 while training alongside Nunes at American Top Team.