Kayla Harrison
- Age: 34
- Height: 5’8" / 173 cm
- Weight: 134 lbs / 61 kg
- Record: 17-1
- Association: American Top Team
Harrison is known for her elite grappling skills and relentless fighting style, with an impressive 41% of her victories coming by submission. Her striking has improved significantly, as evidenced by her recent performances. With a strong focus on controlling the pace of the fight, Harrison excels in grappling exchanges and can adapt her strategy as needed.
Kayla Harrison - Last 5 Fights
- Win vs. Holly Holm – Submission (rear-naked choke) – UFC 300 (April 13, 2024) – Round 2, Time: 1:47 – Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Bantamweight debut)
- Win vs. Aspen Ladd – Decision (unanimous) – PFL 10 (November 24, 2023) – Round 3, Time: 5:00 – Washington, D.C., United States (Catchweight bout at 150 lb)
- Loss vs. Larissa Pacheco – Decision (unanimous) – PFL 10 (November 25, 2022) – Round 5, Time: 5:00 – New York City, New York, United States (2022 PFL Women's Lightweight Tournament Final)
- Win vs. Martina Jindrová – Submission (arm-triangle choke) – PFL 9 (August 20, 2022) – Round 1, Time: 3:17 – London, England (2022 PFL Women's Lightweight Tournament Semifinal)
- Win vs. Kaitlin Young – TKO (punches) – PFL 6 (July 1, 2022) – Round 1, Time: 2:35 – Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Ketlen Vieira ("Fenômeno")
- Age: 33
- Height: 5’8" / 173 cm
- Weight: 134 lbs / 61 kg
- Record: 14-3
- Association: Team Feitosa, Nova União Manaus
Vieira is a well-rounded fighter with strong striking capabilities, complemented by her black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and judo. She utilizes her reach effectively and has shown resilience in tough fights, adapting her game plan mid-bout. Vieira’s striking has improved significantly, allowing her to compete with top-tier opponents.
Ketlen Vieira - Last 5 Fights
- Win by Unanimous Decision vs. Pannie Kianzad (July 22, 2023)
- Loss by Split Decision vs. Raquel Pennington (January 14, 2023)
- Win by Split Decision vs. Holly Holm (May 21, 2022)
- Win by Unanimous Decision vs. Miesha Tate (November 20, 2021)
- Loss by Unanimous Decision vs. Yana Kunitskaya (February 20, 2021)
Fight Breakdown
This matchup will likely hinge on grappling versus striking dynamics. Harrison aims to take the fight to the ground, using her judo skills to dominate Vieira. Conversely, Vieira will look to keep the bout standing, leveraging her striking to outpoint Harrison.
Harrison’s Game Plan: Harrison will need to close the distance quickly, utilizing her grappling to neutralize Vieira's striking. Establishing ground control early will be crucial for her success.
Vieira’s Game Plan: Vieira must maintain her distance, using her striking to keep Harrison at bay. Effective takedown defense will be critical in thwarting Harrison’s attempts to bring the fight to the mat.
Prediction
Given Kayla Harrison's elite grappling background and recent successes against top competition, she is favored in this matchup. If she can effectively implement her wrestling and establish control on the ground, she is likely to secure a submission victory. However, if Vieira can manage her distance and employ her striking effectively, she may be able to control the fight and score a decision victory.
Prediction: Kayla Harrison by submission in Round 2.
