Miesha Tate knows only too well how much a tough weight cut can take out of a fighter after putting on the worst performance of her career when she dropped to flyweight in 2022, and she now thinks the UFC’s new recruit Kayla Harrison might run into similar trouble against Holly Holm at UFC 300 in April.
A former Olympic judo gold medalist and two-time PFL lightweight tournament champion, the 33-year-old Harrison has competed at 155lbs for the vast majority of her career to date aside from one bout at 145lbs and her last outing at 150lbs.
As such Tate thinks might struggle to perform at her best in her Octagon debut.
“When I saw it was at 135, I was shocked, because Kayla Harrison begged for 155-pound division at PFL and she got it and I think she’s been great there,” Tate said on SiriusXM. “She’s been tremendous. I know she’s made 145 before, I think it was tough for her. I think 135 is going to really suck the life out of her, and it’s not the best move.
“I guess I’m speaking from personal experience, because when I went down to 125—although I did it and I still had a pretty decent camp—I just didn’t perform at my best, and I think Kayla is just used to being such a big, strong woman, that she won’t have that on her side, and I’m really curious to see how that’s going to benefit her with someone like Holly, who really does move so well. She really has some of the best footwork in the women’s divisions, and I think that’s going to be tough for Kayla.”
Harrison has been dominant in her MMA career, compiling a 16-1 record, but despite her opponent Holm being well past her prime at 42-years-old, Tate still feels she has what it takes to beat the Olympian.
“I’m pumped for Kayla,” Tate said. “I’m excited for her to come over here. I think it’s going to be really good, but if you’re asking me who I think is going to win that fight, looking at it right now, I would say Holly.”
