After the setup for what could have been a very compelling matchup, Julia Budd withdrew from this week’s main event due to injury. That means that Kayla Harrison (13-0) will meet pioneer Kaitlin Young (12-12, 1 draw) instead.
Young is 2-2 in her last four, having suffered losses at the hands of Mariana Moraes and Julia Budd last year. This will be her first fight this year, and a first round finish would automatically catapult her into the playoffs. That’s going to be a massively difficult task considering the level of athlete and grappler she’s up against. Regardless, she’s going to give it a shot, and Harrison is going to remain a menace with her control and punishing offense on the ground.