One of the most anticipated fights in women’s MMA history is reportedly off. The UFC 324 co-main event between women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison and former two-division champion Amanda Nunes has been scrapped due to injury, according to a report from The Eagle Tribune.
Citing a source with knowledge of the situation. The Massachusetts-based newspaper reported that Harrison has suffered a serious neck injury and will be unable to defend her title against Nunes on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The bout was scheduled as the co-headliner for UFC 324, the promotion’s first event under its new Paramount+ broadcast deal.
Surgery Already Performed
According to the report, Harrison (19-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has already undergone surgery to repair herniated disks in her back. The decision reportedly came after consultations with doctors in New York last week. MMA journalist Leo Walker Guimaraes later confirmed the news on X. The timeline for Harrison’s return remains unclear.
Local Ties, National Impact
The Eagle Tribune, which first broke the story, is located in northeast Massachusetts — a region where Harrison has deep roots. She lived and trained in the area in the buildup to her first Olympic gold medal in judo at the 2012 London Games, forging long-standing ties that made the outlet’s sourcing particularly notable.
Harrison was set to make the first defense of the bantamweight title she won by dominating Julianna Peña, a victory that ultimately lured Nunes out of retirement.
What’s Next for Nunes?
Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC) has not competed since June 2023. When she retired as a two-division champion following a dominant win over Irene Aldana. The Brazilian legend widely regarded as the greatest female fighter of all time had been preparing for a comeback specifically to face Harrison, a former American Top Team training partner.
With Harrison now sidelined, UFC officials have not yet announced whether Nunes will remain on the card in a different matchup, wait for Harrison’s recovery, or step away once again.
A Massive Blow to UFC 324
The cancellation is a significant setback for UFC 324. Which was being promoted as a landmark event featuring one of the most accomplished women’s title fights ever assembled. Harrison vs. Nunes had been framed as a passing-of-the-torch moment Olympic dominance versus MMA legacy and its removal leaves a major hole atop the card.
Until the UFC addresses the situation publicly. Questions remain about both the women’s bantamweight title picture and whether Nunes’ long-awaited return will happen at all.
For now, one thing is certain: the superfight that helped define the buildup to UFC 324 will not take place as planned.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
