Kayla Harrison wants Shevchenko fight after UFC 322.

8 hours ago7 min read

Kayla Harrison is already looking past her own championship and setting her sights on a massive super-fight, calling for a showdown with UFC flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko. In a move that feels straight out of a Hollywood script, Harrison painted the potential matchup as an epic USA vs.Russia clash, directly referencing the iconic Cold War narrative of 'Rocky IV. ' This isn't just about belts; it's about spectacle.Harrison's callout comes hot on the heels of her own career-defining moment in June, where she dethroned Julianna Peña at UFC 316 to capture the bantamweight title, solidifying her transition from a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo to a UFC champion. Now, she's playing matchmaker, predicting that Shevchenko will successfully defend her 125-pound strap against Weili Zhang at UFC 322 this November in New York.That event itself is a blockbuster, headlined by the long-awaited Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler comeback fight, and Harrison clearly wants a piece of that marquee energy.Shevchenko, the Kazakh-born Peruvian specialist known as 'The Bullet,' is one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, having largely cleaned out her division with a technical, surgical striking game honed over a 25-4-1 professional record. Her last outing was a decision victory over Manon Fiorot in May, a fight that, while a win, showed some cracks in her invincibility and perhaps opened the door for challengers like Harrison to see an opportunity.For Harrison, a fight with Shevchenko represents the ultimate legacy fight—a chance to test her powerful judo-based grappling and improving stand-up against one of the sport's most technically proficient and experienced fighters. It’s a stylistic clash that fans and analysts would drool over: Harrison’s relentless pressure and top-control against Shevchenko’s elusive movement and counter-striking mastery.The promotional angles are endless, from the international rivalry to the clash of combat sports pedigrees. However, the logistics are a potential nightmare.Harrison just won the bantamweight title; a move down to 125 pounds, where Shevchenko reigns, would be a brutal weight cut for her larger frame, while a move up for Shevchenko seems unlikely given her comfort at flyweight. This could mean a catchweight bout, which the UFC has historically been hesitant to do for title fights, or even a champion vs.champion fight that temporarily holds up two divisions. Furthermore, Harrison herself has acknowledged that a grudge match with the legendary Amanda Nunes, whom she has a long and public history with, is still very much in the conversation, telling reporters she's 'waiting for news on the Nunes fight' and is ready to 'turn the page' to keep the division moving.This creates a fascinating crossroads for the UFC's matchmakers: do they book the fresh, cinematic mega-fight with Shevchenko that captures the casual audience, or do they go with the established, deeply personal rivalry with Nunes that hardcore fans have been demanding for years? Harrison’s ambition is clear, and it signals a new era where top female fighters are not just seeking titles but are chasing the biggest possible fights to cement their status as global stars, much like their male counterparts have done for years. The ball is now in the UFC's court to see if they can make this 'Rocky IV' fantasy a pay-per-view reality.

#featured

#Kayla Harrison

#Valentina Shevchenko

#UFC

#title fight

#USA vs Russia

#Rocky 4

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