"I’m Going To Go With Kayla Harrison": Kamaru Usman Backs Kayla Harrison To Spoil Amanda Nunes’ UFC Comeback

Kamaru Usman explains why Kayla Harrison could beat Amanda Nunes© NDTV Photo Library

Kamaru Usman has picked Kayla Harrison to defeat Amanda Nunes in their UFC 334 women's bantamweight title fight. He cited Harrison's grappling and her familiarity with Nunes from their time at American Top Team. The former UFC welterweight champion believes Harrison understands how to steer the contest toward the mat. Usman's pick comes ahead of Saturday's co-main event at Madison Square Garden. Harrison will make the first defence of the title she won from Julianna Pena at UFC 316 in June 2025. Nunes returns after 41 months away from competition, having retired following her win over Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in 2023.

Kamaru Usman backs Kayla Harrison

“If I had to pick, I'm going to go with Kayla Harrison,” Usman said. He argued that Harrison has trained in the same gym where Amanda Nunes built much of her success. She remains around the wrestling coaches who helped shape Nunes' game.

Usman also suggested that age and time away from wrestling can affect a striker's ability to sustain a grappling-heavy fight.

“As we start to age in this sport, especially if you are not a wrestler-grappler, we know that time spent on the mats starts to dwindle because we just want to punch,” he said.

Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medallist in judo, holds a 19-1 professional record and is 3-0 in the UFC. Her lone career defeat came against Larissa Pacheco in the PFL in 2021.

Nunes' finishing power could spell trouble for Harrison

Amanda Nunes enters with a 23-5 record and 16 UFC wins, including 14 career stoppage victories. Her striking remains the central danger for Kayla Harrison, particularly after Nunes' second-round knockout of Cris Cyborg at UFC 232 in 2018.

The Brazilian vacated both the bantamweight and featherweight titles when she retired in 2023. She announced her return in June 2025 and said she would challenge the winner of Harrison versus Pena, setting up Saturday's showdown.

Nunes has not competed since her unanimous-decision win over Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023. Her return after more than three years away has divided opinion, though her experience at championship level remains a major factor.

Harrison and Nunes hit 135 pounds

Harrison and Nunes both weighed in at exactly 135 pounds on Friday, making the title fight official. Harrison's cut drew attention because of her move from 155 pounds in the PFL to bantamweight, while Nunes appeared more comfortable on the scale.

Harrison's preparation was disrupted by neck surgery earlier in 2026, which postponed the bout from January. She has said she is ready to compete and has also floated a rematch with Nunes at 145 pounds if she retains the belt.

Usman's prediction adds another layer to a fight that carries both championship stakes and personal history. Harrison and Nunes were once teammates at American Top Team, but their relationship has since broken down ahead of the bout.