UFC 324 SHOCKER: Nunes vs. Harrison Postponed, Card in Flux
Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison was set to headline UFC 324. That title fight is off for now. Harrison has withdrawn, and the promotion is reassessing the entire lineup. I can confirm the bout has been postponed while the UFC works through next steps. The stakes for the women’s title picture just changed in a big way.
Harrison addressed fans from a hospital bed, holding back tears in a short message. She did not disclose specifics. Her recovery comes first. The timing could not be tougher for a card built around a marquee champion and a rising crossover star.
What We Know Right Now
The fight is postponed, not canceled. The UFC is evaluating replacement options and rescheduling paths. No new date has been set. There is no confirmed opponent for Nunes at this moment.
Nunes had been targeted for a big return. The promotion has been highlighting her greatest hits all week, reminding fans why her name sells. Her presence anchors pay-per-view, and her opponents know what that means. The camp that prepped for Harrison now faces new questions. Keep training and fight a late replacement, or hold for a rebooked title clash.
No replacement opponent or new date has been finalized. UFC officials are reviewing the bout order and main event plans.
What It Means for Amanda Nunes
This is a champion used to chaos. Nunes has prepared for boxer punchers, elite grapplers, and switch hitters. Harrison posed a unique test, a tight clinch, heavy top pressure, and Olympic-level control. That tape is off the board for now. The risk math changes if Nunes takes a short notice challenger.
The incentive is clear. Stay on the date, keep the rhythm, and protect the event. Or wait, target Harrison later, and preserve the super fight sheen. The UFC cares about both, a strong card now, and a blockbuster later. Nunes has the leverage to steer that choice.
Replacement Watch
If a new opponent is booked, it must make sporting and business sense. Three to five round questions matter. Weight, timing, and medical clearance also matter. Here are the immediate names that fit the moment:
- Julianna Peña, a heated rivalry and a rubber-match story that sells
- Raquel Pennington, champion form and a steady five round style
- Irene Aldana, clean boxing and a risk reward dance for both sides
- Holly Holm or Mayra Bueno Silva, a veteran name or a dangerous finisher
Each option pulls the division in a different direction. Peña brings unfinished business. Pennington offers champion consistency. Aldana gives fans a striking duel. Holm carries legacy appeal, while Bueno Silva adds submission danger. A short camp favors athletes who stay near peak weight and shape. The clock is already ticking.
Expect the UFC to adjust the card if Nunes waits. A strong co-main could be elevated to protect the pay-per-view.
The Ripple Effects on UFC 324
The main event drives everything, gate, international reach, and broadcaster energy. Without Nunes vs. Harrison, the card needs a fresh centerpiece. That could be a new title fight, an interim belt, or a star-driven matchup. The promotion has pulled off quick pivots before. It will take a steady hand, and smart matchmaking, to keep fans locked in.
The rest of the lineup now matters more. A deep undercard can hold an event during change. Expect the matchmakers to reward reliable action fighters and strong contenders. Expect quick calls to managers. Expect some athletes to say yes faster than usual.
Kayla Harrison’s Path Forward
Harrison’s message was emotional and honest. She wanted this fight. She understands the moment, and the pressure that comes with it. For now, health is the only priority. When she is cleared, the Harrison matchup still holds real weight. Her style remains a puzzle, and her star power crosses sports lines. The buildup will start again when she is ready. Fans will line up for the second try.
This setback does not erase the stakes. It reshapes them. Nunes stands at the center of it all, with the belt, the calendar, and the leverage.
What Comes Next
I expect the UFC to make a direction call soon. Keep Nunes on UFC 324 with a new opponent, or slide the champion to a later date with Harrison waiting on the other side. Both paths can work. Both carry risk.
Here is the bottom line. UFC 324 will look different than it did yesterday. The promotion is pivoting. The division is listening. And the champion holds the key. I will update as decisions land. For now, plan on change, and prepare for a new main event picture. The Octagon never stays still, and tonight is proof. 🥊
