Imagine a UFC showdown that could eclipse the legendary Khabib vs. Conor in terms of hype and viewership. Bold claim, right? But that’s exactly what Kayla Harrison’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, is suggesting—and it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about history, rivalry, and a grudge that runs deep. Here’s the scoop: With whispers of Ronda Rousey’s potential return to the octagon, UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison (19-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has openly expressed interest in facing the former champ (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC). And this is the part most people miss—Harrison and Rousey share a contentious past that predates their MMA careers. But here’s where it gets controversial... While Rousey is currently tied to a boxing match with Katie Taylor (which Harrison doubts will happen), Abdelaziz is already eyeing a blockbuster matchup between his client and Rousey—a fight he believes could surpass even Khabib vs. Conor in terms of drama and viewership.
Abdelaziz isn’t shy about hyping Harrison’s legacy. He points to her two Olympic gold medals, two PFL championships, and her current UFC title as proof of her greatness. But he’s not stopping there. After Harrison defends her title against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 on January 24, Abdelaziz envisions a trilogy fight with Rousey—a rivalry rooted in their judo days. And this is the part most people miss: Harrison lost to Rousey twice in judo before both women became Olympic medalists, adding a layer of personal animosity to this potential matchup. Abdelaziz calls it a ‘grudge match,’ fueled by ‘a lot of beef’ from their judo days. He even goes as far as saying, ‘I don’t think they like each other. I don’t think they respect each other.’
But here’s the kicker: Abdelaziz believes this fight could outshine Khabib vs. Conor because of the ‘nasty sh*t in the closet’ between the two. It’s not just about skill—it’s about settling old scores. So, here’s the question for you: Do you think Kayla vs. Ronda could surpass Khabib vs. Conor in terms of hype and viewership? Or is Abdelaziz overselling the rivalry? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated opinions!
