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.

Naoya Inoue's thrilling Junior Featherweight championship defence against the tough Luis Nery is scheduled to be seen by the boxing world. Fans are excited for what looks to be a titanic battle between these two highly anticipated knockout artists, and the match is set to take place in Japan. The 'Monster,' also known as Naoya Inoue, has had an incredible rise through the boxing ranks. After only making his 122-pound debut in July of last year, Inoue defeated Stephen Fulton via TKO in the eighth round to claim the joint Junior Featherweight title. His victory over Marlon Tapales later on solidified his position as the unchallenged Junior Featherweight champion. Luis Nery has a 35-1-0 professional record and has been a formidable opponent in the Junior Featherweight class. Nery, who is well-known for his strength and talent, has won several knockouts and has been a unified champion. The Inoue vs. Nery battle is scheduled to take place on May 6 at the Tokyo Dome, according to Mike Coppinger of ESPN. On Monday morning, viewers in the US may watch the action live streamed on ESPN+. Two of the most explosive competitors in the sport, who are both in their prime, square off in this battle with the goal of leaving a lasting legacy. Nery and Inoue are well known for their ability to knock opponents out. Nery has terminated 27 fights in a similar manner to how Inoue has won 23 of his victories by knockout. This battle pits two of boxing's most exciting athletes against one another for more than just the Junior Featherweight title; it's a test of strength, talent, and will. Nery has more experience, having won all 31 of his fights since making his professional debut in 2012, but Inoue is clearly riding high right now. After failing a drug test in 2017, Nery's career took a hit, but he bounced back hard to win the championship via knockout in the rematch with Shinsuke Yamanaka. The Inoue vs. Nery bout is anticipated to be a breathtaking exhibition of boxing skill because both boxers are on winning streaks and are recognised for their aggressive fighting styles. Fans are left to wonder: Who will win this titanic struggle as they get ready to fight? In this much anticipated Junior Featherweight match, who are you cheering for? Post your support and predictions in the comments section below!

Cédric Doumbé, the former GLORY welterweight champion, is set to make his second appearance in the PFL with high expectations for another show-stopping performance. The charismatic fighter, known for his dramatic flair, is eager to face undefeated prospect Baissangour Chamsoudinov on March 7 in Paris, building on the success of his sensational debut where he knocked out Jordan Zebo in just nine seconds. In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Cédric Doumbé addressed the skepticism surrounding his opponent and his decision to sign with PFL instead of the UFC. "People are talking a lot of s*** because he looks like a wrestler," Doumbé remarked about Chamsoudinov, emphasizing his commitment to delivering another first-round knockout. The 31-year-old Doumbé is recognized as one of the top welterweight prospects in MMA, and his debut in PFL became one of the most talked-about moments of 2023. The Frenchman's flamboyant walkout, leading a chant with French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappe, and the subsequent knockout generated massive buzz, with nearly 20,000 seats selling out in just 20 minutes for his upcoming fight at the Accor Arena. Reflecting on his choice to join PFL over the UFC, Doumbé expressed satisfaction, stating, "That makes me smile because they f***** up. They lost. So it is what it is, you know? Everything happens for a reason. I’m just doing my thing. Some people say that I’m better here." Having more than 80 kickboxing fights under his belt, Doumbé acknowledges the reality of his age and future in combat sports. However, he remains focused on his partnership with PFL and casts doubt on a potential return to the UFC. "Ninety percent no, because I’m not that younger fighter. I think I will not open the UFC door again," Doumbé declared. Looking ahead, Doumbé envisions a future bout with former UFC champion Anthony Pettis and dreams of selling out France’s Parc des Princes. But before those grand plans, he must first overcome the challenge presented by the undefeated Chamsoudinov. Doumbé is confident in his abilities, stating, "Even his wrestling is not enough to impress me. I think even on the ground, the grappling, I’m better than him." As Doumbé prepares for his next PFL showdown, the anticipation is building, and fans are eager to witness another electrifying performance from the charismatic welterweight sensation.

Liam Smith is considering a trilogy battle with Chris Eubank Jr. in 2023 after two intense clashes, hoping to exact revenge for their devastating second fight. In the middleweight class, the battle between these two experienced fighters has grown to be one of the most interesting stories. Smith (33-4-1, 20KOs), an Englishman from Liverpool, shocked spectators at the Manchester Arena with an unexpected fourth-round knockout of Eubank Jr. in their first fight together in January. Smith's career reached a peak with this triumph, which he achieved despite all the odds. But in their rematch in September, the roles were reversed. The 34-year-old boxer from East Sussex, England, Eubank Jr. (33-3, 24KOs), made a decisive return. He maintained control of the bout, finally winning by knockout in the tenth round. Smith is driven now, at 35, to restore his reputation. I believe it should be clear what I want to do next. If Eubank doesn't win the fight against Conor Benn, I'd love to see him fight again," Smith stated in recent media reports. He clearly wants to win this time, especially after losing so badly the previous time they played. Smith has obstacles on his path back to the top. After losing the rematch, he examined his career critically and responded to those who had questions about his boxing career. Smith feels that everything that happened outside of the ring, namely a significant back ailment that impaired his training and weight, hindered his performance in the second bout. Smith said that because of his injuries and little training time, making weight was a big problem. "At that point, I was having the most difficulty gaining weight. He said, "I had to shed 42 pounds in seven weeks. He believes that this battle played a major role in his defeat against Eubank Jr. Smith isn't ready to put up his gloves despite the losses. He is keen to get back into shape and establish his value in the ring now that he is well and injury-free. "After the previous performance, I feel like I have more fire inside of me. Now that I'm injury-free, my layoff went well. With conviction, he said, "It's up to me to get myself back in shape, disprove the opinions of a few, and demonstrate that I still have a lot to give." Fans are enticed by the prospect of a trilogy fight between Smith and Eubank Jr.; also, it presents Smith with an opportunity to redeem himself and demonstrate his genuine skills in the ring. How do you feel about Liam Smith wanting to face Chris Eubank Jr. a third time? What do you think of Smith's possible trilogy and his return to form?

As the anticipation builds for UFC 299, Joe Rogan sends out a stern warning to Dustin Poirier about the formidable challenge that awaits him in the form of Benoit Saint-Denis, aka "The God of War." The two fighters are set to square off in a five-round co-main event at Kaseya Center in Miami on March 9, promising a showdown that MMA fans won't want to miss. Known for his ferocity and a 100 percent finish rate, Saint-Denis has left a trail of destruction in his wake, stopping his past five opponents, including a stunning Performance of the Night head-kick knockout of Matt Frevola at UFC 295. Rogan, in his UFC 297 episode of the Fight Companion on Spotify, couldn't help but rave about the Frenchman's abilities, labeling him as a "f*cking killer." “This is the big fight, Dustin Poirier and Benoit Saint-Denis,” Rogan emphasized. “That Saint-Denis guy is a f*cking killer. He’s such a killer, that guy’s such a scary guy.” Despite Poirier's extensive experience and impressive UFC record, Saint-Denis has opened as a slight favorite. Rogan acknowledges the toughness of the upcoming battle, expressing that Poirier needs to be prepared for the challenge brought by the relentless "God of War." “I’m telling you, that Benoit Saint-Denis is next level,” Rogan warned. “He’s got furnaces going in his eyes. You look into that guy’s eyes, there’s hell going on behind those eyes. He’s built for it. So, him vs. Dustin is very exciting, and Dustin better be ready to go. You better be ready to go with that guy, because he’s going to try and make a name off of him.” With the clash of these two warriors on the horizon, UFC 299 promises to be a night filled with intensity, as Poirier braces himself for the challenge presented by the "killer" that is Benoit Saint-Denis.

In an unexpected turn of events, two-time UFC title challenger Dominick Reyes has been forced to withdraw from his anticipated return at UFC Atlantic City. Stepping into the spotlight in his place is Alonzo Menifield, who is now set to face Carlos Ulberg in the promotion's return to New Jersey on March 30. The announcement of this matchup came on Tuesday, leaving fans curious about the reasons behind Reyes' sudden absence. Initially slated for UFC 297, Reyes faced a delay in his return due to an injury suffered by Ulberg. However, the tables have turned, and now it's Reyes who finds himself unable to compete for undisclosed reasons. Alonzo Menifield, a 36-year-old Contender Series veteran, seizes the opportunity to build on his impressive five-fight unbeaten streak. This streak, marked by victories over notable opponents like Dustin Jacoby, Jimmy Crute, and Misha Cirkunov, showcases Menifield's prowess since joining the UFC roster in 2018. With an overall record of 15-3-1, Menifield aims to continue his momentum against the formidable Ulberg, who boasts a streak of five straight wins at light heavyweight. Carlos Ulberg's most recent victory came spectacularly, dispatching Jung Da-un via rear-naked choke submission at UFC 293. Now, he faces the challenge presented by Menifield in a matchup that promises fireworks in the light heavyweight division. As Menifield steps up to the occasion, fans can expect an intense showdown between two fighters eager to make their mark. Menifield vs. Ulberg is a pivotal addition to the growing lineup for UFC Atlantic City, with the main event featuring a welterweight clash between Vicente Luque and Sean Brady in a five-round spectacle. Stay tuned as these warriors enter the Octagon, ready to write the next chapter in their MMA journey.

In a thrilling addition to the already stacked UFC 300 card, the featherweight division is set to witness fireworks as Sodiq Yusuff takes on Diego Lopes in a high-stakes showdown on the prelims. The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will be the battleground for this intense clash scheduled for April 13. Diego Lopes, eager to break into the featherweight top 15, seizes another opportunity to prove his mettle in the Octagon. Following a short-notice debut against Movsar Evloev, where Lopes engaged in a competitive bout that earned Fight of the Night honors, the 29-year-old featherweight has been on a roll. Back-to-back Performance bonuses for first-round victories over Gavin Tucker and Pat Sabatini have elevated Lopes's status, not only as a fighter but also as a prominent coach in the MMA world. This fight against Yusuff is his chance to secure a coveted UFC ranking and set the stage for a potential title shot. Sodiq Yusuff, looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023, had a solitary appearance last year, resulting in a unanimous decision loss to Edson Barboza at UFC Vegas 81. Despite the setback, Yusuff's performance earned him Fight of the Night honors. Currently holding the No. 12 spot in the UFC's featherweight rankings, Yusuff aims to defend his position against the formidable Lopes. As the anticipation builds for UFC 300, which is yet to confirm its main event, the clash between Yusuff and Lopes adds to the excitement surrounding the event. With several fights already announced for the card, fans can expect a night filled with relentless action and unforgettable moments in the featherweight division. Stay tuned as these two dynamic fighters vie for supremacy in the quest for UFC glory.

Callum Smith, the former super middleweight champion of the WBA, is in a crucial stage of his career. His first knockout defeat still hurts, and it will always be a cloud over his career in the ring. The 33-year-old native of Liverpool is debating whether to keep fighting or not. Though he believes he can compete at the championship level, Smith questions the usefulness of non-title fights because all major light heavyweight championships are now out of reach. Smith must decide if the attraction of the ring still provides enough drive now that he has made a solid financial future for his young family through his boxing earnings. Finding the right balance between pursuing sports fame and financial comfort is an issue that many athletes face. Smith acknowledged that a local bout against fellow British light heavyweight contender Anthony Yarde would rekindle his fighting spirit in a recent interview with Boxing News. Their respective promoters, Frank Warren (for Yarde) and Eddie Hearn (for Smith), have suggested this bout for a special five-versus-five fight show. Smith vs. Yarde may be the main event on the Matchroom Boxing vs. Queensberry Promotions programme that Turki Alalshikh of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority is putting together. However, Smith's wedding preparations conflict with the schedule of this occasion, which makes his choice even more difficult. Recently, Russian heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev defeated both Smith (29-2, 21 KOs) and Yarde (24-3, 23 KOs) in their attempts to win the light heavyweight belts. Smith admits that, with Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol slated for a unification fight, fighters like himself need to hunt for more interesting matchups as he mulls over his defeat to Beterbiev and the state of the division. Smith acknowledges that the realities of the division right now may need bouts that don't always result in a title but still provide exciting sports competition. This is what a fight with Yarde would be like—a struggle for honour and the chance to take part in something truly historic. The boxing community waits for Smith's decision as he takes some time off to spend with his family and commemorate his marriage. Is he going to decide to put up his gloves or will the attraction of a big battle with Anthony Yarde be enough to get him back in the ring? Whatever his decision, Smith has undoubtedly made a lasting impression on the game. What do you believe Callum Smith should do next? What do you think about his boxing future and possible matchup with Anthony Yarde?

In a surprising twist of fate, Kayla Harrison, the two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka and two-time PFL champion, is set to make her UFC debut as a bantamweight sensation. The news was officially unveiled by UFC CEO Dana White, who announced Harrison's exclusive deal with the premier mixed martial arts organization. The highlight of this groundbreaking signing is Harrison's debut clash at UFC 300 against none other than former bantamweight champion Holly Holm. The epic showdown is scheduled to take place on April 13 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, adding an extra layer of excitement to the monumental UFC 300 card. Harrison, who spent her entire MMA career with the PFL, recently entered free agency, paving the way for her historic move to the UFC. Despite PFL's attempts to retain her, the 33-year-old Ohio native chose to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by the UFC. With a remarkable 16-1 record, Harrison's only setback came in a decision against Larissa Pacheco in 2022. Her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by victories over UFC veteran Aspen Ladd and two previous wins over Pacheco. Now, Harrison faces a new challenge as she transitions from lightweight and featherweight to the bantamweight division. Reflecting on her decision, Harrison acknowledged the sacrifices required for the move. "I'm going to have to lose a piece of me to be able to fight at 135 pounds," she admitted. The shift to bantamweight signifies a significant lifestyle change for the judo powerhouse, who recognizes the importance of proper nutrition, sleep, and recovery in her journey. In her bantamweight debut, Kayla Harrison will step into the Octagon against Holly Holm, a former 135-pound champion and a formidable presence in the UFC rankings. Holm's recent record, going 3-1 with one no-contest in her last five fights, only adds to the anticipation surrounding this high-stakes matchup. As the latest addition to the UFC 300 card, Harrison vs. Holm promises to be a defining moment in women's MMA. The event is currently without a main event, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the historic night when two exceptional fighters collide in a battle for supremacy.

Teofimo Lopez has never been one to shy away from bold claims, and his recent victory over Josh Taylor has only emboldened him further. After stunning the boxing world with his triumph over Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020, Lopez has set his sights on another pound-for-pound titan: Terence Crawford. The brash young champion has made it clear that he sees himself as the best in the world, and he's eager to prove it in the ring. In a recent self-recorded video, Lopez declared his desire to face Crawford, stating, "Do I want Crawford? Absolutely. I aim for greatness. What is that? Fighting the best. Crawford says he's the best, I know I'm the best, let's make the fight happen." Despite his confidence, Lopez is not looking past his upcoming bout with Jamaine Ortiz, where he will defend his WBO super lightweight title. He understands the importance of staying focused on the task at hand and is fully committed to preparing for Ortiz. While a potential showdown with Crawford is on Lopez's radar, he knows that he must first take care of business in the ring. With his eyes firmly set on both the present and the future, Teofimo Lopez continues to prove himself as one of boxing's most exciting and fearless champions.

A boxing bout between MMA star Fedor Emelianenko and former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is reportedly being negotiated, in what may be one of the most exciting crossovers in combat sports ever. The MMA Pack posted this amazing update on Instagram, which has piqued the interest and enthusiasm of fight fans around. With their recent article stating that "Mike Tyson vs. Fedor Emelianenko boxing match negotiations are underway and targeted for later this year in Saudi Arabia," The MMA Pack has created quite a stir in the combat sports industry. A renowned figure in mixed martial arts (MMA) and a legendary boxer in his own right, 47-year-old Tyson, are set to square off in a possible bout. In February 2023, Fedor Emelianenko, often referred to as "The Last Emperor," made his final combat in the Octagon. Following his battle with Ryan Bader at Bellator 290, Emelianenko declared the end of his mixed martial arts career. He did, however, make it apparent that his career in combat sports is far from ended in an interview with the MMA Hour. "MMA is finished, completely. I'm not returning to mixed martial arts. "I want to give boxing a try," he declared, clearly interested in going up against Mike Tyson. Mike Tyson, who has a 50-6-0 career record in professional boxing, last engaged in a demonstration match on November 29, 2020, against Roy Jones Jr. Even though Tyson stopped competing in professional matches for a while, his reputation and fan base are still unrivalled. Given that he has previously expressed interest in going back to the ring at the appropriate time, a fight with Emelianenko may be the ideal platform for his return. This battle would be historic, pitting two of the greatest fighters in their respective sports against one another, not just another boxing contest. Although Emelianenko has a specific date in mind, boxing and mixed martial arts fans would surely be highly interested in the build-up and possible spectacle of such a fight. Official confirmation is anxiously awaited by the combat sports world, as the discussions are apparently ongoing. A matchup between Tyson and Emelianenko may be historic, demonstrating the lasting allure of crossover fights in combat sports and the legendary status of these two warriors. How do you feel about this possible pairing? Tell us what you think and believe about the reported boxing match between Fedor Emelianenko and Mike Tyson.

Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub has drawn parallels between rising UFC prospect Bo Nickal and former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow as the young fighter continues to make waves in the promotion. Nickal, who boasts an impressive 5-0 record in his mixed martial arts career, with all five victories secured via first-round finishes, is set to face his toughest challenge yet at UFC 300 when he takes on Cody Brundage. While there is an expectation for Nickal to extend his undefeated streak, the pressure is on for the 28-year-old to deliver a spectacular performance in what could be a defining moment in his career. With the spotlight firmly on him, there is a buzz of anticipation surrounding Nickal's future in the UFC. The hype surrounding Nickal has even caught the attention of renowned UFC commentator Joe Rogan and former fighter Brendan Schaub. During a recent conversation, Schaub expressed his belief in Nickal's potential, likening him to Tim Tebow in the world of UFC. "When is he [Bo Nickal] gonna get to a ranked guy?" Rogan questioned. "I think the UFC knows he's gonna be champ, like, clear up and then we're gonna release the hounds," Schaub responded. Rogan, recalling a previous podcast interview with Nickal, remarked on the fighter's rapid progress in striking skills. "When I had him on the podcast, he said he's only been striking for two years. Crazy. He looks great," Rogan noted. Responding to Rogan's comments, Schaub further praised Nickal, saying, "Isn't he the best? The best. He has it all. Check, check, check, check, checks all the boxes. He's the Tim Tebow of f***ing UFC." Follow FIGHT.TV for more articles like this.