Cris Cyborg, on an 11-fight winning streak, faces two-division PFL champion Larissa Pacheco, known for her knockout power, in a highly anticipated fight in Saudi Arabia, where Pacheco promises an exciting matchup despite no animosity between the fighters.
Cris Cyborg steps into the PFL cage for the first time on Saturday, riding an impressive 11-fight winning streak. She’s stopped six opponents with strikes, though none quite like Larissa Pacheco.
Pacheco, a two-division PFL champion, boasts 11 knockouts in her 23 MMA wins. Two of those came in under a minute this season. Meanwhile, Cyborg went 2-0 in boxing this year against less challenging foes.
A jiu-jitsu black belt under Rubens Charles “Cobrinha,” Cyborg’s no stranger to grappling. Yet, Pacheco doesn’t expect her to avoid a stand-up battle in Saudi Arabia.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t even know what her plans are,” Pacheco shared with MMA Fighting. Her training camp focused on broad strategies rather than opponent-specific tactics.
“I always focus on what I can improve,” she said. “Opponents might try to surprise me, so I better be ready for anything.”
Pacheco is prepared for whatever comes her way. “One thing I can guarantee is that I’m ready for everything,” she stated confidently.
She would be surprised if Cyborg goes for takedowns, given her striking history. Changing styles would be unexpected.
Interestingly, Pacheco met Cyborg at the UFC Performance Institute recently. A misunderstanding had left Cyborg upset over something said in an interview after their fight was booked.
“I think I said something and she was offended by it,” Pacheco explained. But she clarified that there was no disrespect intended.
“I’m always respectful towards my opponents,” she continued. Trash talk isn’t her style; it’s all about respect and professionalism.
Despite any past misunderstandings, there’s no animosity between these knockout artists. Pacheco promises an explosive encounter when they clash in Riyadh.
“I guarantee you that people won’t regret watching this fight,” she declared. With their styles matched up, fans are in for a thrilling showdown.