Larissa Pacheco's Victory Over Cris Cyborg: Solidifying Her Status as the Best Female MMA Fighter in PFL
With her recent victory over Cris Cyborg, Larissa Pacheco has once again proven her dominance as one of the premier female Mixed Martial Artists (MMA) in the Professional Fight League (PFL). Her journey through the ranks of the PFL has been nothing short of spectacular, and the recent loss of Kayla Harrison to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has only emphasized her position as the top female fighter in the PFL.
Historical Context and Current Standing
Already a two-weight champion, Pacheco's reign in the PFL is both a testament to her immense talent and a reflection of the current landscape of female MMA. The loss of Kayla Harrison, a formidable rival, to the UFC has removed the last significant challenger in the PFL. While Pacheco and Harrison's trilogy was undoubtedly high-level competition, Pacheco's win-by-unanimous-decision (UD) in the final bout between the two highlights her consistent prowess in the octagon.
The Challenges Ahead: Cris Cyborg's Return
With the return of Cris Cyborg, a fighter who is renowned for her dominance, the PFL will once again face a significant challenge. At 39 years old, Cyborg's age may be a factor, but her reputation as a powerhouse cannot be underestimated. The fight between Pacheco and Cyborg is billed as a 'super fight,' but the reality is that the PFL is leveraging Cyborg's past reputation as an unbeatable force, similar to her early days in the game.
Age inevitably affects even the most resilient contenders, and while Cyborg's recent victory streak might suggest that she is still a force to be reckoned with, her opponents in those bouts were relatively older, in their 40s. In contrast, Pacheco is a decade younger and has a remarkable 10-fight win streak. These factors suggest that Pacheco is a strong favorite in this upcoming match, a victory that would further cement her status as the top female fighter in the PFL.
Long-Term Projections and Future Directions
Assuming Pacheco successfully navigates the Cyborg fight, her future in the PFL remains uncertain. After her recent defeats in the UFC and being released, she has been a consistent champion in the PFL, with a 3-0 record against notable fighters like Korda-Nicole and Mokhnatina. However, the prospect of cycling through previous competitors or potentially joining the UFC if Kayla Harrison's career takes off presents a mixed set of scenarios.
If Pacheco stays in the PFL, there is a risk of becoming recognized as the 'Queen of the Runner-Up League,' albeit one with substantial financial compensation. Despite her impressive record in the PFL, especially the trilogy against Harrison, her ultimate legacy may be influenced by the limited competition in the league.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Legendary Status
While Pacheco's achievements in the PFL have been remarkable, her competitive environment has not been as fierce as it once was in her earlier days, particularly with the loss of Kayla Harrison. However, her recent win over Cris Cyborg suggests that she is still at the top of her game, and continued success will only solidify her status as a premier fighter in the world of female MMA. As the PFL evolves and more high-level competitors join the league, Pacheco will undoubtedly face even greater challenges, but her journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring.