Going into their third battle on the 2022 PFL Championships this previous Friday, Larissa Pacheco knew she would defeat Kayla Harrison.
“I already knew it was going to be an upset,” stated Pacheco by way of an interpreter at her post-fight press convention (video supplied by MMASucka). “I got here right here able to screw with everybody’s bets and placed on one hell of a battle.”
Pacheco was 0-2 towards Harrison, who dominated the Brazilian of their earlier outings at PFL 1 and PFL 10 in 2019. Nonetheless, on this outing, Pacheco confirmed off her development and gave Harrison the hardest take a look at of her skilled profession to this point.
Although she discovered success early, Harrison handled a number of submission makes an attempt and reversals from Pacheco on the bottom. And after they had been on their toes, the two-time PFL champion was met with heavy punches. It was a detailed battle, however Pacheco earned a unanimous resolution on the judges’ scorecards, changing into the primary fighter to bounce Harrison from the ranks of the unbeaten.
As spectacular as her efficiency was, Pacheco noticed some areas that wanted enchancment.
“It was good, however it wasn’t nice,” stated Pacheco. “There’s a whole lot of issues that occurred this battle that I believed had been going to go a method for me, they usually didn’t. I clearly seen that she was being annoyed with a whole lot of her takedown makes an attempt, and with that, I gained confidence. I’m simply blissful I used to be in a position to persist with the technique, persist with what we had deliberate with a view to come out on high.
“Kayla has a rematch at any time when she desires,” continued Pacheco. “I’m blissful to present it to her and I do know she’s going to come back again even stronger.”
With the win over Harrison, Pacheco is now on a six-fight win streak.
