UFC 300 exclusive: 'I wanted to die' – Kayla Harrison opens up on past ahead of UFC debut

Double Olympic judo champion Kayla Harrison says there were times she “did not want to be on this earth anymore” as she explained how sport changed her life ahead of her UFC debut in Las Vegas.

The American has already made a successful transition to MMA, as a two-time champion in the Professional Fighters League, but on Saturday she will step up to the biggest stage when she takes on Holly Holm at UFC 300, live on TNT Sports.

Harrison has taken her time to reach UFC but she is now preparing to follow another former judo star, Ronda Rousey, on the circuit.

The 33-year-old became the first American to become an Olympic judo champion when she won gold at London 2012, before a successful defence of her -78kg title at Rio 2016.

Harrison has been open about her mental health battles in the past, after she was sexually abused by a former coach when she was a young teenager, but judo helped turn her life around.

“There were points when I was a teenager where I wanted to die, I did not want to be on this earth anymore,” Harrison told TNT Sports.

“I don’t take this for granted, I look back at my life and I was hopeless and helpless and could not see a path out of it.”

Harrison has also spoken about how she dealt with depression after her second Olympic victory in Rio but has since found solace in competing at the highest level.

Her backstory and success in judo transcended her sport. On Saturday, she will be involved in what could be a UFC classic, against former bantamweight champion Holm.

“The UFC is the top of the top in MMA - this is the Olympics of MMA. Every time I do something I want to do it all the way, 100%, go big or go home,” she said.

“When I first started MMA the goal was always to be UFC champion. The road has been winding and long and there’s been some ups and downs and unexpected twists and turns. I truly believe we’re here in just the right time and just the right moment.

“Everything is working out really well for me, Holly Holm, UFC 300, biggest card that they’ve ever had. Everything's coming together, and I’m ready to shine.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.