The Clash of Eras: Judo Gold Meets the Lioness at UFC 324
On January 24, 2026, the MMA world will witness a collision that has been speculated upon for half a decade. In the main event of UFC 324, the consensus Greatest of All Time, Amanda Nunes, will defend her bantamweight throne against the most decorated grappler in women’s combat sports history, Kayla Harrison. With the UFC’s new broadcast era on Paramount+ officially underway, there is no bigger fight to kick off the 2026 calendar.
This isn’t just a title fight; it is a stylistic puzzle that threatens to dismantle the hierarchy of women’s MMA. Harrison, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Judo, brings a grappling pedigree that Nunes—despite her high-level BJJ black belt—has never truly faced. Conversely, Nunes possesses the “touch of death” in her hands that has crumbled legends like Cyborg, Rousey, and Holm.
Below, we break down the tactical keys to victory, the judo threat, and what this super-fight means for the legacy of the “Lioness.”
The Harrison Factor: Weaponizing the Gi-Less Throw
Kayla Harrison’s transition from the tatami to the cage has been historically dominant. Unlike other judokas who struggle to adapt their grips to No-Gi MMA, Harrison has successfully translated her hip tosses and inside trips into a suffocating top game. Her strategy at UFC 324 will likely revolve around closing the distance without absorbing Nunes’ heavy overhand right.
The Clinch Danger Zone
The most critical tactical battleground will be the clinch. Amanda Nunes historically bullies opponents here, using underhooks to secure takedowns or land dirty boxing. However, clinching with Harrison is tantamount to tactical suicide. Harrison excels at the Harai Goshi (sweeping hip throw) and O Soto Gari (major outer reap).
- Harrison’s Win Condition: Force Nunes to the cage, secure a body lock or over-under clinch, and execute a high-amplitude throw to disrupt Nunes’ cardio and composure.
- Nunes’ Counter: Maintain distance with the jab and front kicks (teeps). If the clinch happens, she must disengage immediately rather than engaging in a strength battle she might actually lose.
For a deeper look at Harrison’s grappling credentials, her Team USA Judo profile details the foundation that makes her such a unique threat in the Octagon.
Nunes’ Path to Victory: The Equalizer
Amanda Nunes is not just a striker; she is a complete mixed martial artist. However, against a grappler of Harrison’s caliber, her striking becomes her primary line of defense. We saw in her bouts against Julianna Peña that Nunes can fatigue if forced to grapple defensively for extended periods.
To retain her title, Nunes must exploit Harrison’s striking defense, which, while improved, is still robotic compared to the fluidity of a seasoned striker. Nunes’ calf kicks will be essential. By compromising Harrison’s lead leg, Nunes can take away the explosive power required for those Olympic-level entries.
“Styles make fights, but power changes them. Nunes doesn’t just need to touch Harrison; she needs to earn her respect in the first 60 seconds to prevent the takedown onslaught.”
Ground Dynamics: Can Nunes Survive the Mat?
If the fight hits the canvas, the dynamic shifts drastically. Nunes has excellent top control and a dangerous submission game (as seen in her win over Miesha Tate). However, being on her back against Harrison is a scenario Nunes has rarely experienced since her early career loss to Cat Zingano.
Harrison’s top pressure is reminiscent of Khabib Nurmagomedov—heavy hips, wrist control, and relentless ground-and-pound. According to UFC Stats, Nunes’ takedown defense has historically held up well, but she has never faced a chain-wrestler with Harrison’s physical strength.
Legacy Implications: The GOAT Status
With Islam Makhachev currently holding “Double Champ” status in the men’s divisions (following his win at UFC 322), the pressure is on Nunes to remind the world why she is the female face of the sport. A loss here wouldn’t erase her past accomplishments, but it would signal a changing of the guard.
If Harrison wins, she instantly validates her decision to sign with the UFC and arguably becomes the new “Baddest Woman on the Planet.” If Nunes wins, she clears out the last remaining external threat to her reign, potentially cementing a legacy that may never be surpassed.
UFC 324 Main Card & Context
While the focus is on the main event, the card on January 24 is stacked with implications for the 2026 season:
- Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Interim Lightweight Title). A massive step up for “The Baddy.”
- Broadcast: The first major PPV on Paramount+.
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
FAQ: UFC 324 and Nunes vs. Harrison
When is UFC 324?
UFC 324 is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026.
How can I watch UFC 324?
Starting in 2026, UFC Pay-Per-View events and Fight Nights have moved to Paramount+ in the United States, shifting away from the previous ESPN+ exclusive deal.
Has Kayla Harrison ever lost a fight?
As of early 2026, Harrison has maintained a stellar record, with her only professional blemishes being highly contested decisions or PFL season nuances, but she remains unbeaten in her UFC tenure thus far.
What is Amanda Nunes’ UFC record?
You can view Amanda Nunes’ full professional record and fight history on her official UFC Athlete Profile.
