Larissa Pacheco can’t make sure what comes subsequent for her following an upset win over Kayla Harrison however she positively has some concepts.
After handing the two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo her first defeat in combined martial arts, Pacheco already knew that she would finally see Harrison once more — probably even her subsequent battle. Because it stands, Harrison holds two wins over Pacheco so the 28-year-old Brazilian is aware of there’s nonetheless some unfinished enterprise between them.
“Like I instructed her [after our fight on Friday], I’ll gladly give her the rematch,” Pacheco stated on The MMA Hour. “It’s the battle to occur and she or he deserves it. I’m dropping 2-to-1 so I have to meet up with her.”
Whereas Pacheco anticipates crossing paths with Harrison once more, the PFL hasn’t made any choices simply but about what shall be scheduled when wanting forward on the 2023 season.
Previous to her loss, Harrison had already determined that she wasn’t going to take part within the typical common season match format subsequent 12 months however quite concentrate on particular person “tremendous fights” that wouldn’t be as taxing on her physique.
In the meantime, Pacheco isn’t in opposition to returning for one more season, which may earn her one other $1 million prize, however she’s additionally open to the concept of those self same one-off contests that would permit her to face Harrison once more or different prime fighters in the identical division.
“Everyone’s speaking about tremendous fights,” Pacheco stated. “Kayla was speaking in regards to the tremendous battle with [Cris] Cyborg. Now I’m within the recreation, too. Let’s do a brilliant battle, Cyborg. Let’s do it at 155. They’re tremendous fights, let’s do these items. I’m right here too, now.
“I need to work. I’m all in favour of every thing. It’s simply been three days so I don’t know what the group goes to do. I’m in for something. I need to work.”
Whereas Harrison had been brazenly calling for a battle in opposition to Cris Cyborg, her loss will doubtless dampen any enthusiasm that had been constructing in the direction of that potential showdown.
Now that she’s using the momentum off her beautiful win in opposition to the two-time PFL champion, Pacheco believes possibly now she’s in line for that battle as an alternative.
“I simply fought Kayla. I’ve the utmost respect for Cyborg,” Pacheco stated. “That is what we do. That is what she does. That is what we do. That is what the followers need.
“Yeah, I need to be on this recreation. I’d prefer to battle Cyborg. I need to battle Kayla. I need to be in the midst of this. I need to make it occur.”
One other potential opponents that would draw Pacheco’s curiosity in 2023 is ex-UFC fighter Aspen Ladd, who made a profitable debut with the PFL after incomes a break up determination over Julia Budd on the championship card this previous Friday.
Following her win, Ladd credited Pacheco for making the required enhancements to beat Harrison however then slighted both athletes when stating that their resumes are “nothing in comparison with the folks that I’ve fought.”
In response, Pacheco didn’t actually perceive why Ladd felt the necessity to take a shot at her however maybe deep down it’s simply an try and get some consideration by going after the winner from the principle occasion within the present the place she was competing on the undercard.
“I don’t know why she’s saying these items,” Pacheco stated. “She simply acquired right here. I believe she’s making an attempt to return over to the window and making an attempt to catch the bus in motion. She acquired lower from one other group as a result of she couldn’t make weight.
“Yeah, we’re in the identical group. If now we have to battle, that’s the way in which it’s going to be. I simply suppose she’s making an attempt to maneuver forward of herself.”
