Kayla Harrison Is Victorious In Return, Eyes Cris Cyborg Next–Or UFC
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After a year’s absence, Kayla Harrison returned to the cage this past Friday for the PFL, defeating Aspen Ladd by unanimous decision.
With the PFL acquiring Bellator last week, all signs now point to a long-awaited bout pitting two-time gold medalist Harrison against Bellator featherweight champion Cris Cyborg, one of the most successful women to ever compete in MMA.
Courtesy PFL
Except that is not the plan. At least not yet.
The plan, per PFL co-owner Donn Davis, is for Cyborg to fight Larissa Pacheco as part of the PFL champions vs. Bellator champions series. That is a dangerous proposition–even if it is unlikely, it is certainly possible that Pacheco defeats Cyborg. Then, suddenly, there would be far less interest in the Harrison-Cyborg bout, which currently has the potential to be a career-defining victory for Harrison.
Prior to this past Friday, Harrison (16-1) last competed in November of 2022, where the two-time PFL lightweight champion was seeking a third title. But it was Pacheco, who Harrison had already defeated twice before, thwarted her attempt at a three-peat. Pacheco continued her winning ways at the PFL 10 finale on Friday, defeating Marina Mokhnatkina to crown herself featherweight champ.
Cyborg (27-2, 1 NC) is a former UFC featherweight champion, where she had two successful title defenses before running into Amanda Nunes. Following the loss against Nunes, she had one more UFC fight–a victory against Felicia Spencer–then moved to Bellator. Cyborg won Bellator’s featherweight title in her first fight, and has since defended that belt five times.
Courtesy PFL
Even if Harrison is not a current reigning champion, she has the accolades to merit a fight against Cyborg. Her history in PFL opens a window of possibility to be first in line for Cyborg, and there is no sense in risking this bout for the future.
So why risk the Harrison-Cyborg clash? The answer is less complicated than it appears.
Harrison has only one fight left with the PFL. As of right now, if she wants the Cyborg bout, then it appears she will have to sign a new contract with the PFL. Another possibility is she could finish out her contract with the promotion, then test her mettle in the Octagon, as the UFC would certainly relish the chance to be in the Kayla Harrison business.
PFL’s merger of Bellator is full of possibility, but not certainty. That is the case with Harrison, who is deserving of a shot against Cyborg–yet still may not get that fight.
