Cris Cyborg once again cemented her legacy in MMA, capturing the PFL Super Fight Series Women's Featherweight Championship with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Larissa Pacheco at the PFL Super Fight Series event.
CRIS CYBORG WINS MMA GOLD ONCE AGAIN AT #PFLSUPERFIGHTS 🏆
ONE OF THE GREATEST WOMEN'S MMA FIGHTERS OF ALL TIME 👏 pic.twitter.com/KnMq9iMmXx
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 19, 2024
The bout saw Cyborg showcase her trademark striking and grappling prowess. Pacheco, a formidable opponent in her own right, came into the fight with the intention of becoming the PFL Super Fight Series champion. However, Cyborg's experience and skill proved to be too much for the Brazilian fighter.
From the opening bell, Cyborg controlled the pace of the fight, landing clean punches and kicks with precision. Pacheco attempted to counter with her own strikes, but Cyborg's defense was impenetrable. The former UFC Champion's footwork was exceptional, making it difficult for Pacheco to close the distance and land significant strikes.
In the second round, Cyborg began to mix up her attacks, incorporating takedowns and clinch work into her arsenal. Pacheco struggled to defend against Cyborg's grappling, and the Brazilian found herself on the canvas several times. Cyborg's ground-and-pound was relentless, and she controlled the position, preventing Pacheco from escaping.
As the fight progressed, Cyborg's dominance became increasingly evident. She continued to land strikes at will, while Pacheco's output diminished. The Brazilian fighter was visibly frustrated, unable to find a rhythm against the championship-caliber opponent.
In the final round, Cyborg maintained her high-paced assault, landing a flurry of punches and kicks. Pacheco attempted to mount a late comeback, but it was too little, too late. The judges' decision was unanimous in favor of Cyborg, who was awarded the PFL Super Fight Series Women's Featherweight Championship belt.
With this victory, Cyborg further solidified her status as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. She has now captured championships in multiple organizations, including the UFC, Bellator, and now the PFL. Her dominance in the sport is undeniable, and she continues to set the bar for female MMA.
For Pacheco, the loss will undoubtedly be a setback. However, she remains a talented fighter and will undoubtedly be back in the title picture in the future. The rematch with Cyborg was a competitive affair, and Pacheco proved that she is capable of challenging the best in the world.
With this victory, Cyborg has cemented her legacy as a pioneer in women's MMA. She has paved the way for countless female fighters and continues to inspire a new generation of athletes.
As for what's next for Cyborg, the possibilities are endless. She could potentially defend her PFL title against a top contender or even explore a rematch with Amanda Nunes or even challenge Kayla Harrison who she's been wanting to get her hands on, if she chooses to opt out of her contract with the PFL.
Regardless of what the future holds, one thing is certain, Cris Cyborg's reign as a dominant force in mixed martial arts is far from over.
The PFL Super Fight Series event delivered an exciting co-main event, and the championship victory for Cyborg was a fitting conclusion to the series. As the promotion continues to grow, it is clear that they have assembled a roster of elite fighters who are capable of producing thrilling matchups.