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Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg won’t be facing Kayla Harrison in the PFL, according to recent reports. The PFL, led by Donn Davis, acquired Bellator late last year, leading to speculation about potential matchups between fighters from both promotions. One highly anticipated bout was between Kayla Harrison, a multiple-time tournament winner, and the legendary Cris Cyborg. Despite years of speculation and negotiations, the fight has yet to materialize.
In 2021, Harrison was close to signing with Bellator for a featherweight title bout against Cyborg, but the PFL matched the contract, preventing the matchup from happening. However, the PFL's acquisition of Bellator raised hopes for the fight's revival, with plans for a cross-promoted card in early 2024. Yet, Cyborg has revealed that Harrison has declined the bout, despite her initial acceptance.
Cyborg expressed her disappointment in a statement on X, saying,
“I am disappointed to hear that after @PeteMurrayPFL offered me the date and location for a fight against @KaylaH and after we accepted the bout that she has now declined the offer.”
As of now, neither Harrison nor PFL executives have confirmed this news.
Meanwhile, Cyborg is set for her next fight, but it will be in the boxing ring, not the cage, against the undefeated Kelsey Wickstrum later this month. If the matchup with Harrison falls through, there are alternative options being considered. PFL executive Donn Davis has expressed interest in a bout between Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco, who is on a 10-fight winning streak and defeated Harrison in 2021.
Another potential opponent for Cyborg is Bellator women’s featherweight contender Leah McCourt, who recently scored a knockout win over Sara McMann at Bellator 300. McCourt was named as the next challenger for Cyborg by Bellator President Scott Coker, but with the sale to the PFL, the status of her potential title shot is uncertain.