Daniel Cormier has openly discussed the unexpected withdrawal of Kayla Harrison from her scheduled fight against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324. This bout was poised to be a significant attraction for the event, generating considerable excitement among fans.
Injury Forces Harrison Out of UFC 324 Co-Main Event
Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes were originally set to compete for the women's bantamweight title on January 24. The fight was scheduled as the co-main event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, Harrison suffered a serious injury that changed everything.
Medical examinations revealed herniated discs in Harrison's neck. Following professional medical advice, she underwent surgery to address the issue. This procedure could potentially keep her out of action for up to six months, creating uncertainty within the division.
Cormier's Perspective on UFC's Next Moves
Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Daniel Cormier provided his analysis of the situation. He emphasized that the duration of Harrison's recovery period will be crucial in determining the UFC's next steps.
Cormier believes creating an interim title might not be necessary if Harrison's absence remains around six months. He explained that Amanda Nunes doesn't require a championship belt to maintain her relevance or market value. The UFC could simply build anticipation for a future meeting between two champions, which would still appear compelling to audiences.
The former champion questioned whether introducing an interim title makes logical sense, especially since Harrison competed recently. Cormier suggested that hastily adding another belt might create complications rather than solutions for the division.
Potential Scenarios and Considerations
Cormier acknowledged that if Harrison's recovery extends beyond six months, the UFC might have limited options. In that case, moving forward with Nunes in a title fight could become necessary. The ideal outcome would involve Nunes securing a victory and setting up a future championship clash where both fighters hold belts.
Simultaneously, Cormier issued a warning about potential risks. He stressed that the UFC cannot afford to lose the Nunes versus Harrison matchup entirely. Too many unanswered questions remain unresolved, and this particular fight holds substantial value for the women's bantamweight division.
Amanda Serrano Offers Replacement Option
Meanwhile, a potential replacement fighter has already emerged. Unified women's featherweight boxing champion Amanda Serrano has publicly expressed willingness to face Amanda Nunes at UFC 324. Serrano confirmed she remains in fighting condition and would accept the challenge on short notice.
While primarily recognized for her boxing achievements, Serrano possesses mixed martial arts experience. She maintains an undefeated professional record inside the MMA cage, adding an intriguing dimension to this potential matchup.
UFC Faces Critical Decision Point
The organization now confronts a challenging decision regarding UFC 324. Multiple options remain under consideration, including an interim title fight, a last-minute replacement bout, or simply delaying the championship matchup. All attention remains focused on Amanda Nunes and what developments will unfold next for the upcoming event.
The women's bantamweight division enters a period of uncertainty following Harrison's injury. How the UFC navigates this situation will significantly impact the championship landscape and future matchmaking possibilities.
