Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, has made a remarkable transition to MMA, earning a reputation as a fierce competitor. Since her debut at UFC 300, she has quickly become one of the most exciting new names in the sport. Now, with a highly anticipated fight against Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307, fans are eager to see how she will continue to build on her impressive record.
However, while much is known about her athletic achievements, details about Kayla Harrison’s personal life, including her relationships, have remained somewhat elusive. Here, we explore who Kayla Harrison’s past partners are and what is known about her life outside the cage.
Kayla Harrison’s Relationship History: Does She Have a Husband?
As of now, Kayla Harrison is not married. However, her personal life has attracted some public interest due to her past relationships. According to a report by CNBC, Kayla Harrison was previously engaged in 2012. Her former fiancé, Aaron Handy, shared a
background in judo, being a fellow black belt and later transitioning into a career as a firefighter. This connection through judo helped them bond, and for a while, it seemed like their relationship was on a promising path. However, over time, their relationship gradually lost its momentum, and they eventually went their separate ways.
Following her shift from judo to MMA, Harrison continued to focus on her growing career in the sport. Despite the end of her engagement, she did not remain out of the dating scene for long. Reports later emerged about her dating Anthony Rocco Martin, a fellow fighter with an 18-6 record. Both athletes were part of the American Top Team, one of the most respected MMA gyms. Their
relationship became a topic of interest as they made several joint appearances in interviews, giving fans a glimpse into their connection. However, details about their current status remain unclear, as Harrison has chosen to keep this aspect of her life relatively private.
Kayla Harrison’s Role as a Mother: A Look into Her Family Life
While Kayla Harrison may not have a husband, she is a devoted mother to two children. In 2019, during an interview, Harrison revealed that she had taken on the role of a mother, a decision that has brought a new dimension to her life. Balancing her responsibilities as a fighter with the demands of motherhood has been no easy task, but it’s one she has embraced wholeheartedly.
Harrison has often spoken about the joy and challenges that come with raising children while maintaining a professional athletic career. Although she tends to keep her children out of the public eye to protect their privacy, it is evident that they are a significant source of motivation for her. Her dedication to her family is one of the driving forces behind her determination in the octagon, where she continues to strive for greatness.
Kayla Harrison’s MMA Journey: From Judo Champion to UFC Star
Kayla Harrison’s journey from being a judo world champion to a rising star in MMA is a testament to her adaptability and drive. Her decision to transition from judo to MMA came after achieving great success in the former sport, including two Olympic gold medals. Harrison’s judo background has been a crucial part of her fighting style, giving her an edge on the ground against many of her opponents.
Since joining the UFC, she has quickly made a name for herself with a strong record and impressive performances. Her debut at UFC 300 was a statement of her intent to become a dominant force in the organization. Now, as she prepares for her fight against Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307, all eyes are on whether she can maintain her winning streak and continue her ascent in the MMA world.
Balancing Personal Life and Professional Success
One of the aspects that makes Kayla Harrison’s story compelling is her ability to balance a demanding professional career with the responsibilities of her personal life. Being a mother while competing at the highest level of MMA requires a unique kind of discipline, and Harrison has shown that she is more than capable of meeting these challenges.
She has often spoken about the importance of mental strength and the role it plays both in and out of the octagon. For Harrison, her family is not just a source of inspiration but a reminder of why she fights—to provide a better future for her children and to set an example of resilience and determination.
Conclusion: The Multifaceted Life of Kayla Harrison
Kayla Harrison is more than just a fighter; she is a mother, a trailblazer, and a role model. While her skills in the octagon continue to capture the attention of MMA fans worldwide, her journey off the mat adds depth to her story. From her early days in judo to her current status as a UFC contender, Harrison’s life is a testament to overcoming obstacles and redefining success on her terms. As she continues her rise in the UFC, fans remain eager to see how she will shape the next chapters of her life—both in her fighting career and beyond.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Kayla Harrison’s Personal Life
1. Is Kayla Harrison married?
No, Kayla Harrison is not currently married. While she was previously engaged to Aaron Handy, their relationship ended, and she has since chosen to focus on her MMA career and family.
2. Who was Kayla Harrison’s fiancé?
Kayla Harrison was engaged to Aaron Handy in 2012. Handy is a black belt in judo and later became a firefighter. Despite their shared passion for judo, their relationship eventually came to an end.
3. Does Kayla Harrison have children?
Yes, Kayla Harrison is a mother of two. She became a mother in 2019 and has since balanced her role as a parent with her professional fighting career.
4. Is Kayla Harrison dating Anthony Rocco Martin?
There have been reports that Kayla Harrison was dating fellow MMA fighter Anthony Rocco Martin, with whom she shares a professional background at the American Top Team. However, details about their current relationship status have not been publicly confirmed.
5. How has motherhood impacted Kayla Harrison’s MMA career?
Motherhood has been a motivating factor for Kayla Harrison, pushing her to excel in her MMA career. While balancing family life and a demanding profession can be challenging, she has spoken about the strength she draws from being a parent and how it inspires her to succeed.