MMA’s Missed Super Fight? Cris Cyborg Says Kayla Harrison ‘Ran Away’

In the world of mixed martial arts, certain matchups quicken the pulse of fans. They spark debates, fuel anticipation, and sometimes… never happen. One such match that had all the promise of a blockbuster clash but ultimately fizzled out? Cris Cyborg vs. Kayla Harrison. A fight that could’ve been a historic showdown of powerhouses is now a “what could’ve been” story—at least according to Cyborg herself.

So, What Happened?

Cris Cyborg, a legend in women’s MMA with a resume that spans top promotions like UFC, Bellator, and Strikeforce, recently reignited the conversation around her missing bout with Kayla Harrison. In a recent interview, she didn’t hold back.

“Everybody knows Kayla Harrison ran away from me,” Cyborg claimed. A bold statement? Absolutely. But in fight promotion, bold is the norm. Still, it begs the question: did Harrison dodge the fight, or was it just another case of two stars caught in the wrong place at the wrong time?

Two Champions, Two Paths

Let’s set the stage. On one side, you’ve got Cyborg, a seasoned veteran known for her dominance, knockout power, and a trail of gold belts. On the other, Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and former PFL (Professional Fighters League) champion with a perfect record—until recently.

Cyborg has fought all over the world, in every major promotion, and beaten some of the best. Harrison, though less tested across multiple organizations, entered the conversation as an emerging star with a fierce grappling game and a rapidly growing fan base.

The MMA community was buzzing. The matchup made sense: experience vs. rising dominance, striker vs. grappler, legend vs. potential heir.

Timing Is Everything… Or Is It?

One of the biggest challenges in making mega fights isn’t talent—it’s timing. As Cyborg was ruling Bellator’s featherweight division, Harrison was making waves in the PFL, a promotion with a different structure and expectations.

Multiple times, talks about a potential showdown popped up. Fans and analysts alike speculated, calling it a “super fight that needed to happen.” But the logistics didn’t click. Contractual obligations, promotional politics, and perhaps a bit of strategic matchmaking all played a role. And while Harrison was at one point a free agent looking for a new home, which could have included Bellator or even the UFC, the fight still didn’t materialize.

Was it a duck or just bad timing? That depends on who you ask.

Cyborg Doesn’t Pull Punches—In or Out of the Cage

Cris Cyborg isn’t known for staying quiet. Her recent comments about Harrison were more than just throwaway lines—they were a message. A challenge. Maybe even a taunt.

“She ran away from me,” Cyborg said bluntly. “She had the chance, and she didn’t take it.”

The comment came during a period when Cyborg is actively seeking new opportunities, possibly returning to boxing or exploring a fresh MMA contract after her Bellator deal ended. Harrison, on the other hand, signed with the UFC and is now part of its growing women’s featherweight roster.

So what‘s the message here? According to Cyborg, Harrison had her moment to face the best and chose to walk away.

Kayla’s Silent Response

Interestingly, Harrison hasn’t fired back publicly. No fiery tweets. No press conference soundbites. Silence, for now.

Maybe she’s focused on her UFC run. Maybe she doesn’t see it as her fight to take—or maybe, she’s just not interested in stirring the pot. Still, for fans who love a bit of drama with their matchups, the lack of response adds another layer of mystery.

The Fight That Got Away

In combat sports, some rivalries burn without ever catching fire inside the cage or ring. This might just be one of them.

Both fighters bring something special: Cyborg, with her legacy cemented and still dangerous as ever; Harrison, with a bright future and an Olympic pedigree rare in MMA. The idea of them squaring off at their peaks would’ve been a headline event across any promotion worldwide.

But as time ticks, and fighters build separate legacies, the odds of that fight ever happening shrink.

Could It Still Happen?

Surprise matchups do happen. Fans of Fedor Emelianenko and Randy Couture remember spent years dreaming of their own “super fight” that never came to be—until both fighters had already left their prime. Could Harrison vs. Cyborg still become a reality before it's too late?

Maybe. The UFC seems interested in building Harrison’s profile, and Cyborg has hinted at being open to cross-promotional fights or a UFC return if conditions are right. If promoter egos and contract barriers were put aside—just maybe—we could still see this long-awaited battle.

Final Thoughts: Lost Legend or Future Fire?

Whether it's wishful thinking or a showdown brewing just beneath the surface, Cris Cyborg and Kayla Harrison remain names fans want linked. Cyborg’s bold accusation adds fuel to the fire, even if only in the imagination of die-hard fans for now.

The truth? Only the fighters know the full story. But one thing is clear: Cyborg hasn’t let go of the idea—and fans haven’t either. And in MMA, anything is possible… especially when there’s unfinished business.

What Do You Think?

Did Kayla Harrison really dodge Cris Cyborg, or was it just two careers passing each other like ships in the night? Would you still want to see the fight happen some day?

Drop your thoughts in the comments and let the dream match debates begin.