One of the most anticipated fights of 2026 didn’t make it to the first event of the year.
The UFC’s move to Paramount+ kicked off with strong viewership numbers, but there was a significant change to the card before January 24.
Even so, an exciting main event and several standout performances helped make UFC 324 a solid start to this new chapter for the promotion.
The event could have been even more memorable if Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes hadn’t been removed from their spot in the co-main event.
After updates on Nunes’ injury surfaced, a new photo has now shown just how much she’s gone through recently. The title bout between her and Harrison is expected to be rescheduled once she’s ready to return.
Kayla Harrison returns to training after neck surgery
After withdrawing from her scheduled fight on January 24, Kayla Harrison shared a video from her hospital bed that was tough to watch for fans. The emotional clip highlighted just how much the setback had taken its toll on her.
The bantamweight champion was set for a matchup that many had picked out as the best fight on the card heading into UFC 324.
Amanda Nunes said she sensed something wasn’t right with Harrison leading up to the bout, but few could have expected just how serious the issue would turn out to be.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist needed surgery on her neck, and while there’s no official word yet on when she’ll be back in action, it’s clear she won’t be fighting any time soon.
Even so, she hasn’t stayed away from training completely. Harrison has already returned to American Top Team, as shown in a recent photo posted by the gym’s social media accounts.
A new post from ATT’s Instagram shows Harrison taking off her neck brace to reveal the significant scar that she’s been left with as a result of the surgery.
Kayla Harrison’s team sheds light on the seriousness of her injury
Following news of Kayla Harrison’s injury, a series of updates quickly followed.
Her manager, Ali Abdelaziz, explained that Harrison had been managing the issue for five or six years before it finally needed medical intervention.
Speaking to Submission Radio, Abdelaziz provided further insight into the situation and how it was handled.
“The UFC flew her to New York and the doctor said immediately she needs to get a surgery, because if she doesn’t get a surgery, this can paralyze her,” he said. “The disc is pushing on the spinal cord. But then I’m going to tell you something, immediately after the surgery, all the pain is gone.”
- READ MORE: Colby Covington rips apart Paddy Pimblett’s ‘rookie mistakes’ in a lethal assessment of UFC 324 bout
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