Kayla Harrison Disappointed By Julia Budd’s Withdrawal From PFL 6

Kayla Harrison (13-0) was looking forward to competing in her second fight of the 2022 PFL season in different circumstances. The two-time Olympic Gold medalist was optimistic about fighting Julia Budd on Friday in Atlanta.

However, Budd, the former Strikeforce and Bellator champion, announced her withdrawal from the fight, which means that Harrison would now be facing a late replacement Kaitlin Young.

The product of the American Top Team would be gearing up for the battle, but it doesn’t seem like she has the same motivation as she had when she was told about facing Budd.

“Yes, obviously (I was upset),” Harrison told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s media day.

“The competitor in me wanted to face the former Strikeforce, Bellator champ, someone with her accolades. I wanted to test myself. I think everyone was more excited about that fight than any of my previous opponents, I guess, in a while.

“So yes, I was looking forward to it. I hope she’s OK, and I wish her a speedy recovery and that she heals up quickly.”

“It just gets frustrating, It’s the same thing over and over again. They don’t read anything and just want to talk trash, so it gets a little frustrating. I’m here, I’m going to fight, and I’m going to fight whoever they put in front of me. I can only control the controllable. I can only control myself and my reaction to things.

“I’m excited to fight Kaitlin Young, July 1. It’s going to be a good fight, and that’s all there is to it.”