The PFL founder confirmed that Larissa Pacheco has earned a fight with Cris Cyborg before Kayla Harrison, highlighting the high level of competition in the women’s division, with potential future matchups between Cyborg, Pacheco, and Harrison on the horizon.
Kayla Harrison seeks a fight against Bellator champion Cris Cyborg, but it seems she will have to wait as Larissa Pacheco is next in line. Pacheco recently claimed the PFL featherweight title with her win in the 2023 season tournament, leading to the possibility of a champ versus champ fight with Cyborg. PFL founder Donn Davis confirmed that the Cyborg-Harrison fight will happen in 2024, but Pacheco has earned her shot first.
Harrison lost to Pacheco in the 2022 PFL season, marking the first defeat of her career. Despite the introduction of the 145-pound weight class in 2023, Harrison did not compete again until her recent win over UFC veteran Aspen Ladd. Meanwhile, Pacheco continued her dominance, becoming the first ever two-division champion in PFL history after winning the featherweight finals.
While the PFL is interested in the Cyborg-Pacheco matchup, it’s uncertain whether it will happen. Cyborg is currently preparing for a boxing match in January and has not discussed her future with PFL officials. However, Davis believes that Cyborg will eventually return to MMA to face top competition, including Pacheco and Harrison in 2024. Davis emphasized the talent of both Harrison and Pacheco, indicating the potential for exciting matchups in the future.
Davis also mentioned the possibility of a champions versus champions card in early 2024, which would apply to all fighters, including new PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira and Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader. The article did not specify other aspects of the event, such as photos or Instagram posts.