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Kayla Harrison Withdraws From UFC 324 Title Defense After Neck Surgery

Neck surgery for the champion leaves UFC 324 reshuffling its Paramount+ debut with the bantamweight title picture unsettled.

Overview

  • The Eagle Tribune first reported the withdrawal, which journalist Léo Walker Guimaraes confirmed after Harrison underwent neck surgery.
  • Recovery is projected at roughly six months, and the UFC has not announced an interim-belt plan or a new date for Nunes vs. Harrison.
  • Julianna Peña and No. 3 contender Norma Dumont publicly offered to replace Harrison and face Amanda Nunes on short notice.
  • Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong is viewed as the leading candidate to occupy the vacated co-main event slot, according to multiple reports.
  • UFC 324 remains scheduled to headline Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title on the promotion’s Paramount+ debut.