Is Kayla Harrison right about MMA?

In 2012, Kayla Harrison, 26, became the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in Judo. Now at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, she won gold again.

I’m happy, she said. I’m retired – as two-time Olympic champion. That’s it.

The obvious question is, will Harrison follow Olympic Judo bronze medalist Ronda Rousey into MMA?

Rousey won bronze at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, and then worked multiple bartending jobs, and lived out of her car for a time. She then got into MMA, and became the best known figure in the sport, with an eight figure worth, roles in multiple Hollywood movies, a New York Times best selling autobiography, and other trappings of stardom. Harrison is not leaping at the opportunity to go down the same path.

“It’s just so different from judo,” said Harrison, as transcribed by Jim Caple for ESPN. “It’s such a different atmosphere from the Olympic stage. … After a match in judo, you shake a person’s hand or you give them a hug. You bow to them to show respect. MMA isn’t like that. I don’t know if I’m cut out for a world where you get fights based on how pretty you are and how much you talk, not necessarily what you’ve done in the ring.”

“Right now, I’m going to be focused on being two-time Olympic champion, enjoy the moment and live in the moment. Never say never, but right now, the answer is no to MMA.”

“I’m going to have to talk to [my coaches] and my manager and see what offers are out there and what it is that I’m going to do. Who doesn’t want to be rich and famous at some point in their life? I yearn for that, but I also see the platform and see how many eyes watch MMA and how much reach I could have with something like that. Given that, it is tempting, but I just won an Olympic gold medal on the biggest stage in the world, so are there going to be more eyes there or where I am now?”

Harrison is factually incorrect that displays of respect are not the norm in MMA. Ironically, the most notorious case of refusing to shake hands was by 4th degree black belt in Judo Ronda Rousey, vs. Miesha Tate. And Rousey was hugely criticized for it.

Harrison is right that being mediagenic and able to talk trash are qualities that put asses in seats, and thus expedite opportunities. However, she is again factually incorrect that that stands in the way of talent eventually rising. If you look and talk like Robbie Lawler, ability will get you a title shot in time. Given that the Olympics happen once ever four years, Harrison surely can appreciate that things can take time. If she has the ability to fight greater than anyone else’s, even if she wants to epitomize grace, humility, and respect every second of every year, she will become world champion.

On the other hand, her coach Jimmy Pedro said she was simply “too nice of a person” to do MMA.

Far more importantly, Harrison has a higher calling. She was a victim of child sexual abuse by a coach who eventually received a long jail sentence for his crimes. Harrison has a nascent foundation, Fearless, that shines a light on the darkness that is child sexual abuse, and enriches the lives of survivors through education and sport, leading survivors to mastery and enabling them to flourish in all aspects of life.

It’s always about being fearless and believing in yourself, she said, as transcribed by Team USA. I want young boys and girls around the world to be fearless.

Judo has been my life. It’s given me so many opportunities. I’ve traveled the world. It’s changed my life and it’s saved my life.

When you become Olympic champion, things change, whether you like it or not. There are certain responsibilities that comes with carrying that title. Kids ask me to take pictures or sign their belt. They say they want to be next Kayla Harrison. That’s a huge honor. The Olympic athletes get a small, 15-minute window. It’s cool, it’s crazy and it’s fun. Once all of that calms down and once the reality sets in and people care about what you have to say, that has been the best part.

Now everyone wants to be the next Kayla Harrison