Harrison eyes Rousey after submitting Nunes at UFC 334 to retain bantamweight title

Kayla Harrison retained her UFC bantamweight title by submitting Amanda Nunes in the fourth round at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, and she wasted little time naming her next dream opponent: former champion and judo training partner Ronda Rousey.

Speaking at the post-fight press conference following UFC 334, Harrison was asked to name a fantasy matchup and immediately turned to Rousey, who returned from a nine-year absence from competition in May, defeating fellow MMA pioneer Gina Carano at the inaugural MVP MMA event.

“If Ronda wants to come get some,” Harrison said, tongue in cheek. “Could be fun. Free money.”

A Harrison–Rousey fight remains a long shot. Rousey appeared satisfied with the Carano bout as a final chapter to her career, and Harrison herself may be sidelined for some time — she believes she broke her foot before finishing Nunes.

Harrison’s more immediate ambition is a second belt. When informed that UFC CEO Dana White was open to a Nunes rematch with the featherweight title on the line, Harrison made her preference clear.

“145?” she said. “I’ve got to go get that other belt.”

The win over Nunes places Harrison firmly in the conversation about the greatest female bantamweight of all time — a discussion previously dominated by Nunes and Rousey. Harrison, however, is in no rush to claim the crown permanently.

“I don’t really care what people say,” she said. “I’m happy. I’m satisfied. I believe Amanda is the greatest — was the greatest female fighter and I think that that’s me tonight. It’s not going to be like that forever.”

Harrison also spoke warmly about Nunes’s daughter Raegan, expressing a hope that the next generation would one day surpass everything the current era has achieved. “It’s not about me being the greatest forever,” she added. “It’s just for right now.”