Still a Free Agent, Two-Time PFL Champ Kayla Harrison Ponders Transition to Bantamweight

Kayla Harrison’s free-agent options might have just gotten a lot more interesting.

The two-time Professional Fighters League lightweight champion told ESPN that she is pondering a transition to 135 pounds, a move that will include hiring a chef and consulting with a nutritionist. The two-time Olympic gold medalist has thus far competed primarily at 155 pounds and once at featherweight. If Harrison were able to make the cut safely, it would open the door for some interesting fights — especially in the UFC.

"I'm considering it," Harrison said of the move to bantamweight. "I heard that Julianna [Pena] said she'd move up to 145 if they paid her enough, so that's good news. That means I don't have to chop off an arm. ... I want to be the best. Everyone is talking about her.”

Recently, it appeared that the PFL was the leading candidate to re-sign Harrison, and one of the promotion’s press releases regarding the 155-pound Challenger Series mentioned the appeal of facing Harrision as one the incentives for earning a contract with the promotion.

Harrison remains a free agent and told ESPN that the PFL is no longer the leader in the clubhouse.

"Other things have happened and there's some last-minute things happening behind closed doors that I'm not entirely sure now what's going to happen,” Harrison said.

After adopting her sister’s children last year, Harrison values financial security over legacy. How that will factor into her final decision remains to be seen.

"Three years ago, I would have said legacy," Harrison said. "That's all I give a s--- about. My advisers, they care about security. Obviously, I have two kids now, so for me, as hard as it is, security comes first. I have to make sure. There's no guarantees in this life. There's no certainties. I could snap my neck tomorrow and never fight again. Security is important. But if I can find a way to have security and continue to build my legacy, I think that's a winner.”