Cris “Cyborg” Justino vs. Kayla Harrison was by no means meant to be.
The previous two-time PFL light-weight champion Harrison parted methods along with her longtime MMA dwelling earlier this yr. In her typical dominant style, Harrison confirmed no results of the brand new weight minimize to 135 kilos when she made her UFC debut in opposition to the previous champion Holly Holm at UFC 300 in April. Harrison gained the bout by way of a second-round rear-naked choke (watch highlights).
Earlier than Harrison’s departure, the timing appeared to align higher than ever for the matchup between her and Bellator featherweight queenpin Cyborg. The promotion had mentioned and teased the possibility of it with nothing coming to fruition, whether or not for a Cyborg conflict or a fourth Larissa Pacheco showdown, which Cyborg believes Harrison wished no a part of.
“She likes to run,” Cyborg advised MMA Mania. “For positive, if she’s in a operating competitors, she’s gonna win. Let’s see, I don’t know what’s gonna occur subsequent for her.
“She is aware of she ran away. From Pacheco and from me. Her final loss was to Pacheco, she stated, ‘I don’t need this once more.’ Let’s see what’s gonna occur.”
Cyborg, 38, has but to debut in her new promotion because it acquired Bellator in late 2023. Fights have continued to happen underneath the Bellator banner with title fights following go well with. Within the case of Cyborg, she’s been slated to tackle the latest PFL featherweight champion Pacheco for the reason that yr began.
Not but formally introduced by the PFL, Cyborg is now extra assured than ever that she’ll be getting again within the cage after not too long ago signing a bout settlement.
“I simply signed my new bout settlement for my subsequent combat,” Cyborg stated. “It’s gonna be Larissa Pacheco in September. I’m very excited, individuals very excited, too. We’re each Brazilians, she’s the champion in PFL, and so they say September. I say thanks, Mike Kogan. Thanks, kingdom of Saudi Arabia for making this combat occur. I’m very excited.”
Bellator 300 marked Cyborg’s final MMA look when she completed Cat Zingano with strikes in spherical one this previous October (watch highlights). The legend has since prolonged her boxing document to 3-0 when she defeated Kelsey Wickstrum by way of first-round knockout in January. Cyborg seeks win No. 4 as a boxer in opposition to Aria Wild at Crypto Struggle Week in London, England this weekend (Sat., June 15, 2024).
“I used to be alleged to combat in Inexperienced Bay, the combat bought canceled,” Cyborg stated. “So, this occasion, they bought involved with my workforce. I had 18 days brief discover, however I had already been coaching, already prepared. So, this labored good.
“I’ve by no means fought in London, I’ve by no means come to London. So, it was an ideal alternative.”
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