Manager: Kayla Harrison’s UFC 324 withdrawal due to nearly ‘paralyzing’ neck injury

UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison’s neck injury that forced her off of UFC 324 could’ve been life-changing.

UFC 324 took a major hit as women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison was forced to withdraw from her scheduled fight with Amanda Nunes due to injury. Harrison, who won the UFC women’s bantamweight title last year at UFC 316, suffered a neck injury in camp that required surgery.

Harrison’s withdrawal was the first time in her career that she was forced to pull out of a scheduled bout. She signed with the UFC in 2024 following a long, decorated tenure in the Professional Fighters’ League.

Some fans questioned the severity of Harrison’s injury and UFC 324 withdrawal, but one of her longtime allies assured fans that surgery was not only necessary to fight again, but to live a sustainable life moving forward.

Ali Abdelaziz: Kayla Harrison’s neck injury could’ve been paralyzing

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Harrison’s longtime manager Ali Abdelaziz provided some concerning insight into the extent of the UFC champ’s injury.

“She couldn’t lift her arm. She literally went and got an injection, a whole bunch of medicine, anti-inflammatory, nothing worked,” Abdelaziz said of Harrison’s injury.

“The UFC flew her to New York and the doctors said immediately she needs surgery because if she doesn’t get a surgery, this can paralyze her.”

Abdelaziz was then asked about Harrison potentially being fully recovered by the UFC’s upcoming card at the White House, and whether or not that would make sense for a return date.

“Nothing’s impossible for this young lady,” Abdelaziz admitted about Harrison’s plans.

“She is so driven and she’s so disciplined and she’s so motivated. At the end of the day, we can’t go against science but this is the goal. This is the perfect scenario. This is what we want… If she’s 80-70 [percent], she will be fighting.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)