Larissa Pacheco Next Opponent for ‘Cyborg’?
Likely Next Opponent for Bellator Champ Cris ‘Cyborg’
Cristiane Justino’s first opponent following the acquisition of Bellator MMA by the Professional Fighters League may be Larissa Pacheco instead of Kayla Harrison. Pacheco made history in the PFL as the first two-division champion after defeating Marina Mokhnatkina in the featherweight final. “Cyborg,” on the other hand, stopped Cat Zingano in the first round of a 145-pound title defense at Bellator 300.
Although Harrison has been mentioned as a possible opponent for “Cyborg,” PFL founder Donn Davis believes that it would be more appropriate for Pacheco to face Justino first. While Bellator will remain separate until 2024, a champions vs. champions event involving both promotions has been announced. This could be the perfect opportunity to schedule Pacheco vs. Justino. However, Harrison vs. “Cyborg” is not completely out of the question, and it will be arranged for a later date.
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“It’s champ vs. champ,” Davis explained to MMAjunkie.com. “Larissa has earned that. But will Cris then fight Kayla in 2024? One hundred percent. That is going to happen. Cris will have two fights in 2024, Kayla will have two fights in 2024, and one of those will be Cris against Kayla. We think that Larissa has earned that. Once again, you have to do champ vs. champ. Cris is the champ of Bellator. Larissa is the champ here. We have to see that fight happen first. Coming out of that, you’ll see Cris Cyborg vs. Kayla Harrison as the next fight in 2024.”
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After spending most of this year on the sidelines, Harrison returned to action at the PFL Championships, where she defeated Aspen Ladd in a three-round catchweight fight. Davis says that Harrison will remain active, regardless of whether Pacheco vs. “Cyborg” is confirmed.
“We will develop a plan for her in the meantime,” Davis stated. “Kayla has earned the right to fight the best, and we’ll make sure that she’s satisfied and has really good fights.”
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