kayla harrison Biography: Kayla Jean Harrison, born July 2, 1990, isn’t just a fighter—she’s a trailblazer, the first (and only) American to grab Olympic gold in judo. From winning the world title in 2010 to standing on the podium at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, her career has been all grit, drive, and refusing to quit.
Kayla Harrison Biography
Kayla Harrison, born July 2, 1990, is an American fighter who’s done it all—first dominating the judo world in the 78 kg (172 lb) class, then jumping into MMA where she now battles in the UFC’s Women’s Bantamweight division.
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Visit Express VPNKayla Harrison Biography 2026 Details
| Born | Kayla Jean Harrison July 2, 1990 Middletown, Ohio, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lb (61 kg; 9 st 9 lb) |
| Division | Bantamweight (2026–present) Featherweight (2020, 2023) Lightweight (2018–2022) |
| Reach | 66 in (168 cm) |
| Style | Judo |
| Fighting out of | Coconut Creek, Florida, U.S. |
| Team | American Top Team (2018–present) |
| Trainer | Jimmy Pedro |
| Years active | 2018–present (MMA) |
| Category | WWE News |
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Kayla Harrison Achievements
Her competitive success masked an unimaginable personal struggle. At the age of 16, Kayla revealed the fact that she had been for years sexually abused by her coach. After the story came to light, Kayla moved from Ohio to Massachusetts to train with Jimmy Pedro, a two-time Olympic Bronze medalist and his father Jim Pedro, Sr. The Pedros became Kayla’s coaches but also her surrogate family.
Kayla Harrison Wiki
- Born: 2 July 1990 (age 34 years), Middletown, Ohio, United States
- Medals: Judo at the 2015 Pan American Games – Women’s 78 kg · See more
- Height: 1.73 m
- Martial art: Judo
- Parents: Jeannie Yazell, Kenny Harrison Jr.
- Division: Bantamweight (2026–present); Featherweight (2020, 2023); Lightweight (2018–2022)
Finding combat sports
Harrison’s entry point into combat sports was judo, not MMA. She has said she started as a child after her mother, who had practised judo in college, put her into the sport. It put distance between her and the environment connected to her abuse, while giving her structure and support during a difficult period. On the mat, the results were exceptional.
Key UFC milestones
Harrison’s UFC debut was set up as an immediate credibility test, matched with former champion Holly Holm at UFC 300 on 13 April 2024. She won and made an early statement that her grappling base could translate against high-level MMA experience. Her next phase was about proving she could handle the division’s variety. It completed a rare multi-sport arc: Olympic champion, major promotion champion and now UFC champion, all built around elite grappling applied to different rule sets.
Life outside the cage
Away from competition, Harrison’s public identity includes advocacy work. She founded the Fearless Foundation, which focuses on education and survivor support related to child sexual abuse, including using sport as part of health and wellness programmes.
Her father, Kenny Harrison Jr., was not involved in combat sports but supported her endeavors. Tragically, at 16, Harrison disclosed to her mother that she had been sexually abused by her judo coach, Daniel Doyle. The revelation led to Doyle’s conviction and a ten-year prison sentence. In the aftermath, Harrison moved to Boston to train under esteemed coaches Jimmy and Jim Pedro, who became her surrogate family and pivotal in her healing process .
Kayla Harrison Residence
Harrison calls Coconut Creek, Florida home, where she lives and trains, but beyond that, the details are kept quiet—understandably, privacy and security come first. It’s the kind of thing that makes sense; no one wants random strangers showing up while trying to focus on crushing workouts and daily life. Her previous relationships include a past engagement to Aaron Handy and a relationship with fellow MMA fighter Anthony Rocco Martin .
Personal Information
| Full Name | Kayla Jean Harrison |
| Date of Birth | July 2, 1990 |
| Age | 35 Years |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet and 8 inches |
| Weight | 145 lb |
| Nickname | Doug |
| Weight Class | Bantamweight |
| Reach | 66 inches |
| Career Stats | 18-1 |
| Status | Active |
Kayla Harrison Facts
Where does Kayla Harrison live? And how much money does Kayla Harrison earn?
| Birth Date | 2-7-1990 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? |
Kayla Harrison Net Worth 2026
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Colleagues | Aaron Handy |
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Kayla Harrison: Fiancé, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Engaged |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Fiancé of Kayla Harrison | Aaron Handy |
| Ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands | |
| Expecting a baby? | She is not pregnant |
| Has any kids? | No |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
| Hair color | Light blond |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Height | 173 cm |
| Weight | 75 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Kayla Harrison smoke? | |
| Does Kayla Harrison have a tattoo? | No |
