.png)
Larissa Pacheco, the reigning champion with consecutive $1 million PFL championships in 2022 and 2023, finds herself at the center of attention as the PFL landscape undergoes significant changes. The anticipation for a champion-vs-champion event on Feb. 24 in Saudi Arabia initially had Pacheco prepared for a showdown with Bellator champ Cris Cyborg. However, the narrative shifted towards a potential clash with Kayla Harrison, leading to frustration for Pacheco.
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Pacheco expressed her disappointment, stating,
"Definitely I’m frustrated. I lost my holidays. Time is money."
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Pacheco is determined to stay focused and move forward.
The situation took a surprising twist when UFC CEO Dana White announced Kayla Harrison's signing to fight Holly Holm at UFC 300, leaving Pacheco vs. Cyborg as the most prominent women’s fight for PFL. Pacheco believes this matchup is the rightful culmination, asserting,
"It was supposed to happen anyway. I am the champion. It’s supposed to be champion-vs-champion."
As PFL changes with the dissolution of the women’s featherweight season, Pacheco welcomes the shift to women’s flyweight. PFL CEO Peter Murray hinted at placing Pacheco's fights on pay-per-view cards, bringing relief to Pacheco, who acknowledges the opportunity for more efficient training.
Looking ahead to a potential clash with Cyborg, Pacheco acknowledges the challenges but expresses confidence in her versatility. She describes the potential matchup as a war, stating,
"It could end in the first round, it could be a five-round war. I think our styles are similar. I think that it’s a great matchup. I think that she’s a very good striker. I think I’m a more complete fighter."
At 29, Pacheco aims to solidify her legacy in the sport, aspiring to join the ranks of legendary female MMA figures like Amanda Nunes and Cris Cyborg. With a 10-fight winning streak and 19 stoppage victories, Pacheco sees her upcoming bout as an opportunity to further establish her name among the very best in the world.