Kayla Harrsion Ethnicity & Parents; All About the UFC Bantamweight’s Background
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After making her mark in judo and at the PFL as a mixed martial artist, Kayla Harrison is set to make her UFC debut this Saturday. Already a star coming into the promotion, her popularity can be understood by looking at where and whom she will fight in her very first UFC appearance. The Olympic gold medalist will face former bantamweight champion Holly Holm at the historic UFC 300 anniversary mega-card at the T-Mobile Arena.
A large part of the credit for her success in the octagon goes to her determination and hard work. While her debut is highly awaited by fans, there are concerns that Harrison, who has fought at the 155-pound women’s featherweight division so far, will be able to make 145 for her next fight. Ahead of her much-awaited UFC debut, we take a look at Kayla Harrison’s career and personal life.
What is Kayla Harrison’s Ethnicity and Nationality
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Born in Middletown, Ohio, Kayla Harrison is an American national, and is ethnically Caucasian, according to reports. Before she transitioned to mixed martial arts, Kayla Harrison was already one of the most successful judokas in the United States.
As a matter of fact, Harrison became the first American to win an Olympic gold in judo. In fact, Harrison would do so twice, at the 2012 Tokyo and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Along with numerous national and Pan-American judo championships, she has also won the 2010 World Championship in Tokyo.
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Given her judo pedigree, it was no surprise to see her make the transition to MMA with ease. The 33-year-old made her MMA debut in 2018 at the PFL and then went on to become champion in the Donn Davis-founded promotion.
So far, Harrison has been quite prolific, having fought 17 times in the nearly five years since her MMA debut. The American has won all but one of those fights, including winning two of her three shots at the title. The Ohio native’s mother is the one who got her started on the journey to becoming one of the most exciting female martial artists in her life.
Who were Kayla Harrison’s parents?
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Kayla Harrison’s parents have had a major and decisive role in shaping her successful martial arts career and life. She was born to Kenny Harrison Jr. and Jeannie Yazell in 1990. While her father is a supportive and loving parent, not much is known about him. Her mother, on the other hand, is a different case.
Her martial arts journey began, well, before she was even born. Her mother, Jeannie is a judo black belt herself who introduced Kayla to the sport at the age of six. Being an accomplished mixed martial artist herself, Jeannie undoubtedly shaped Kayla’s martial arts career.
Kayla’s mother adopted her grandchildren, Kyla, 10, and Emery, 4, in 2019 as their mother while Kayla’s sister, was “working through some things”. However, after Jeannie suffered a stroke in 2019, Kayla stepped up and has been raising the kids. They stay with her at her Florida home and have been a source of joy and purpose for her. The former Olympic gold medallist is determined to give them a loving, caring home and provide them with the best life she can.
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“It was really scary the first few months. Those kids had been through a lot of trauma. They were dealt crappy cards. I just want to provide them a loving, caring, happy and healthy environment,” she said. And as she sets up to face Holly Holm this Saturday, her family will undoubtedly be watching and supporting her.
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