In a devastating blow to fight fans, the highly anticipated UFC 324 women's bantamweight title super-fight has been scrapped just days before the event. Champion Kayla Harrison has been forced to withdraw due to a serious neck injury, postponing her clash with legendary challenger Amanda Nunes.
A Tearful Announcement and Surgical Intervention
The shocking news broke not through an official UFC statement, but directly from the champion herself. In an emotional video posted to her Instagram on Thursday 15 January 2026, a visibly upset Harrison revealed she had undergone surgery for herniated discs in her neck. The procedure made it impossible for her to defend her title against Nunes at UFC 324, which was a mere nine days away at the time of her announcement.
The UFC has confirmed the fight's postponement, leaving Nunes's much-hyped return to the octagon on hold. No new date has been set, with the promotion awaiting clarity on Harrison's recovery timeline. This last-minute change throws the women's 135-pound division into immediate uncertainty.
Division in Limbo: The Interim Title Question
The abrupt cancellation has sparked urgent debate about the future of the weight class. UFC Hall of Famer and analyst Daniel Cormier has publicly questioned whether the promotion should consider introducing an interim championship. This decision would hinge entirely on how long Harrison is expected to be sidelined post-surgery.
An interim title would keep the division moving, allowing top contenders to compete for a temporary belt while the reigning champion heals. However, it also adds complexity, potentially setting up a unification bout upon Harrison's return. The UFC's matchmakers now face a difficult choice between patience and proactive booking.
UFC 324's New-Look Main Card
With the Harrison-Nunes headline act removed, the UFC has swiftly reshuffled the UFC 324 fight card. Stepping up into the coveted co-main event slot is the bantamweight bout between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong. This striking-heavy matchup now carries even greater significance for the 135-pound men's division, offering the winner a prime opportunity to steal the spotlight.
While the new main event fills the schedule gap, the absence of the historic Harrison vs. Nunes showdown leaves a palpable void. Fans and pundits alike will now watch closely for updates on Harrison's rehabilitation, hoping for a swift recovery that can resurrect this blockbuster fight at a later date.
