Larissa Pacheco has made it clear the place she needs to be after her departure from the Skilled Fighters League.
The 2-time PFL champion advised MMA Preventing she was already in camp to rematch Julia Budd later this 12 months when the corporate communicated to her that they had modified plans and determined to let her stroll free. In accordance with Pacheco, her current opponent Cris Cyborg can be partly in charge for it.
“They reached out to me a few month in the past saying they had been going to ship me a date, probably in opposition to Julia Budd,” Pacheco mentioned. “So we waited, and waited, after which they mentioned they had been now not desirous about doing one other combat, in preserving the division going, and that they had been releasing me. The rationale they gave me was that there have been no different fighters left. It was simply me, [Sara Collins] who’s combating Cyborg now, who’s 6–0, and Cyborg. I used to be purported to combat Julia yet one more time, Cyborg would combat that lady. She’d defend her title, after which I’d have the possibility for my rematch afterward.”
“[PFL] mentioned Cyborg advised them that if her final combat was in opposition to me, she’d retire early, that she had little interest in combating me once more,” she continued. “So I mentioned, alright. That’s what occurred. They launched me, although I nonetheless had two fights left on my contract.”
Pacheco mentioned she received’t “waste my power” enthusiastic about a doable lawsuit in opposition to PFL for allegedly owing her two bouts, however “we’re seeing what’s greatest to do and what path to take.”
As for Cyborg’s alleged determination to somewhat retire from the game than face her a second time, Pacheco admits she’s shocked. They went the gap in October 2024 for the PFL Superfight belt, and Cyborg left with the title. The defeat snapped Pacheco’s 10-fight profitable streak, a run that included victories over Budd and future UFC champion Kayla Harrison.
“I believe that’s her selection,” Pacheco mentioned of Cyborg’s determination. “However there are a number of Instagram accounts and pages tied to her that maintain saying I’m crying on the web, that I’m complaining. It’s not crying. I do know I’m able to beating her, ? What I wished was the possibility to show it. I took her to 5 rounds. I believe it’s my proper, and primarily based on how that combat went. It was an ideal combat, she got here out with the win, however I really consider I may have a completely completely different consequence this time.
“It could be an incredible combat not only for me and her, since she’s nearing the tip of her profession, however for the followers too. What could be extra significant, a rematch in opposition to me, or a combat in opposition to a 6–0 prospect? To take a look at a combat and say, ‘Oh nicely, Cyborg’s going to win,’ or to really respect MMA for what it’s and elevate ladies’s MMA? I consider a rematch with me would have way more worth — to not take something away from that lady.”
Pacheco admits she’s anticipated to see PFL finish the division ultimately, particularly after closing the 155-pound class following Harrison’s departure to the UFC. Pacheco minimize an additional 10 kilos to win one other season in 2024, and has now been knowledgeable of no featherweight future at PFL.
A free agent now and coaching alongside Amanda Nunes in Florida, Pacheco feels “there’s no different place that is sensible for me” however the UFC. “The Lioness” is anticipated to return from retirement in 2026 to problem Harrison for the bantamweight gold, and Pacheco could be returning to the UFC greater than a decade after becoming a member of the promotion.
“I used to be 19 years previous once I first acquired into the UFC,” Pacheco mentioned. “I didn’t even have 10 % of the sources I’ve now by way of weight reducing, combat high quality, every little thing. I used to be only a child, and so they threw me in opposition to two champions, Jessica [Andrade] and Germaine [de Randamie]. I used to be on the peak of my innocence within the sport, simply getting began. It’s been 12 years since my final UFC combat. Look what I’ve constructed since then.”
“I do know I’ll in all probability must take a couple of fights exterior and clear up my document,” she continued. “However I’ll do no matter it takes to point out them that I belong within the UFC. To point out I can ship outcomes, make the division thrilling, and placed on nice fights. I’m not embarrassed or afraid to take a couple of steps again if it helps me transfer ahead and earn one other shot within the UFC to point out what I can actually do.”
Pacheco mentioned that having a historical past with Harrison, a 1-2 run in PFL and now coaching Nunes for his or her historic conflict, may get her a shot within the UFC regardless of the actual fact she’s misplaced to Cyborg in her most up-to-date match.
“I do know it’s doable in the event that they need to it,” Pacheco mentioned. “We all know it’s not unrealistic. In any case, I’ve a win over Kayla, Karol Rosa, Irene Aldana, and so they’re all high 10 fighters, together with the present champion. But when I’ve to show that I need to be there, that’s positive. I’m not even enthusiastic about what benefits these wins may give me, I’m targeted on what I must do to get there. I’ll do every little thing I can to return as a result of I really consider that’s the place I belong.
“We’ve fought thrice, I received the final one, and I believe she’s not too wanting to see me once more. However now that I’m coaching with Amanda, who’s her subsequent opponent, I actually consider the UFC is the place I needs to be. That’s the place there are ladies my dimension, in my division. Folks say I can’t make weight, however they’re mistaken.”
One of many hottest MMA free brokers in MMA in the present day, Pacheco sends a message to UFC CEO Dana White making her intent clear.
“Dana, I’m right here, prepared and keen,” Pacheco mentioned. “I’m right here to show I’ve what it takes to be there, to ship nice outcomes, to point out a distinct Larissa. I used to be only a child once I joined the UFC. I’m mature now, I’m structured, I could make weight and placed on a present. I’m able to combat exterior occasions too if I’ve show to you, Dana and Mick [Maynard], those operating issues, that I’m right here. My partnership with Amanda solely exhibits my energy as an athlete and the way a lot I can contribute. I’m right here. Simply name me. I’m able to step in, but when I’ve to show myself, I’m prepared for that too. … That’s my life aim proper now. I’ve achieved lots already — now it’s time to return again dwelling, and hopefully quickly, to combat for that UFC belt.”
