Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo turned MMA fighter, has made it clear: she’s done dating other fighters. After facing complex personal situations and a serious legal entanglement, Harrison is establishing new boundaries in her life. “I have a rule, like a hard rule now—no more fighters. I’m not allowed to date fighters,” she shared decisively during a recent podcast, referring to her new approach as a “hard rule.”

Legal Proceedings and Personal Safety Concerns

Harrison’s decision to avoid dating within the MMA community stems partly from past experiences that escalated into legal action. According to court records from Broward County, Florida, she filed for a restraining order in September 2021, a protective measure that was renewed twice before she voluntarily dismissed it in March 2022. Unfortunately, her troubles didn’t end there. In December 2022, police responded to an incident at a rental property in Lee County, Florida, where Harrison was found distressed. This situation was later followed by another report filed in February 2023, which is still pending investigation.

Although Harrison once dated fellow fighter and former UFC competitor Anthony Rocco Martin, details about their relationship remain largely private. Reports, however, highlight that it was a challenging chapter in her personal life, influencing her current stance.

Moving Forward: A New Focus in Personal Life

Now that she’s set boundaries against dating fighters, Harrison is looking for something different in a partner. “I’m not high maintenance, I make enough money,” she remarked, explaining that she’s hoping to find someone “family-oriented” and “chill.” She’s adamant about finding someone who appreciates her for who she is and respects her success and independence. “I want a partner… I prefer that you have your own stuff going on. I don’t need you, but I want you,” she clarified, underscoring her desire for a balanced, mature relationship.

Career Challenges and Physical Limits

Despite her resolve to maintain a fulfilling personal life, Harrison has faced physical setbacks due to the grueling demands of her MMA career. “I’ve had three surgeries in the last nine months. Before this period, I hadn’t had surgery in 10 years,” she shared. The toll on her body has become evident, making her question her longevity in the sport: “Obviously, my body is getting to a point where it’s like, ‘Hey dude, you’ve been doing this since you were 12. Let’s wrap it up.’”

Yet her love for fighting remains undiminished. “I just love it so much,” she admitted. “I love training, I love competing, I love fighting. I love fighting 10 times more than I ever loved judo, and it’s so hard to walk away.”

Professional Aspirations and Building a Legacy

Recently signed with the UFC, Harrison believes she’s exactly what the organization needs right now. She’s confident her well-rounded experience and dedication will make an impact in the octagon. “I think I’m exactly what the UFC needs right now,” she said, citing her emotional and physical resilience, along with her high fight IQ.

Her competitive drive remains strong, with Harrison even having a standing bet with fellow MMA star Henry Cejudo about securing a UFC title in the future. For Harrison, the challenges of her career and personal life are shaping her into a more determined athlete, eager to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.