Kayla Harrison says sparring return could be weeks away

Kayla Harrison says she is getting closer to returning to full training after neck surgery earlier this year.

Harrison (19-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) underwent surgery to replace a disc in her neck, which ruled her out of a highly anticipated fight against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 in January. The procedure also kept her from potentially competing on the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House.

Despite the setback, Harrison appears upbeat as she continues her recovery and prepares for a return to training.

“I look like a real assassin now,” Harrison joked about the scar on her neck during an appearance on “Death Row MMA” with Jorge Masvidal and Chris Duncan. “I look like someone tried to get me, but they failed.”

The champion is eager to return to the mats at American Top Team and begin preparing for a showdown with Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC).

That comeback timeline is starting to become clearer, with Harrison expecting to resume full training soon.

“I think I’m going to have a CT scan next week, and if everything looks good, then I’ll be allowed to start drilling,” Harrison said. “A couple of weeks after that, I should be back sparring.”

One of the biggest fights in women’s MMA could be on the horizon if Harrison’s recovery continues to progress smoothly. Although there is still no official date for the matchup, Harrison had a message for Nunes ahead of their expected clash.

“Mami soon come,” Harrison said.