Kayla Harrison breaks down in tears as she shares update from hospital after cancelled UFC 324 fight

Kayla Harrison has broken her silence for the first time since pulling out of her title fight at UFC 324.

The UFC women’s bantamweight champion was scheduled to defend her belt in the co-main event against the returning Amanda Nunes.

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However, on Wednesday, reports suggested that Harrison had withdrawn from the fight, and it was soon confirmed.

The 35-year-old from Ohio, US, suffered a neck hernia and was told by doctors she needed surgery, so the bout, which UFC CEO Dana White has described as ‘the greatest women’s fight ever’, collapsed.

UFC 324 in Las Vegas is headlined by an interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.

Harrison, understandably gutted that she is no longer involved, took to social media on Thursday to share an update on how she’s getting along.

Kayla Harrison fights back tears in emotional update

“Hi guys, I just wanted to give a bit of an update on my end – this is a tough one,” Harrison explained from hospital with a brace around her neck.

“I had to have surgery on my neck yesterday here in New York City with a specialist, Dr Kim. 

“So in lieu of that, obviously, we’re going to have to reschedule the fight, and I just want to say I’m sorry.”

Harrison couldn’t hold back her emotions as she continued, apologising to her opponent, Nunes, doctors and the UFC, saying she was ‘really looking forward’ to the fight.

“I want to thank my mum, who’s taking care of my kids at home,” Harrison added with her voice shaking.

“I want to thank all my coaches at American Top Team and all my teammates.

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“This is day one of recovery and the road back starts now.

“I don’t know God’s plans. I know he knows that this is my dream. So I got to praise him in the mountains and I got to praise him in the valleys.

“And so I’m grateful for this. I hope that it brings me closer to him and that he uses this story in a mighty way. 

“That’s it. I’m sorry, guys. I’ll be back soon. I’ll be back soon.”

UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on January 24.

The winner of the main event is likely to fight Ilia Topuria for undisputed gold next.

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Following Harrison’s withdrawal, Sean O’Malley‘s main card bout with Song Yadong has been bumped up to the co-main event.

Harrison vs Nunes is set to be postponed to a later date.