Kayla Harrison saw her own blood at UFC 307 for the first time inside the cage.
Harrison was put to the test in the main card opener, scoring a decision victory over Ketlen Vieira. With the win, the former two-time Olympic gold medalist is now 2-0 inside the Octagon and 18-1 overall.
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“It’s the first time I’ve ever bled inside a cage,” Harrison said. “Thank you Ketlen for bringing out the best in me.”
Harrison signed with the UFC following a standout run in PFL, besting former champion Holly Holm earlier this year in her debut. With the title on the line later in the night, she put on a strong performance to cement her status as the next challenger.
“I came to the UFC because I wanted to challenge myself,” Harrison said. “Not for money or fame; I want to be the best in the world and this is where the best girls in the world are.”
After embracing with Viera following the 15-minute battle, Harrison had nothing but positive words for her opponent.
“My hat goes off to Ketlen,” she said. “She is (ranked) No. 2 for a reason.”
Harrison also sent a message to the winner between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Pena for the belt.
“Ladies, enjoy it while you can,” she said. “The queen is home and I’m coming for that gold.”
