Larissa Pacheco disappointed in herself after missing weight for PFL Playoffs semifinal

Larissa Pacheco is not happy with the way things went down Wednesday.

The former UFC fighter and 2019 PFL women’s lightweight finalist was removed from the 2021 PFL women’s lightweight playoffs after missing weight by two pounds for her semifinal bout against Taylor Guardado.

Pacheco (15-4) was replaced by Mariana Morais, who now faces Guardado on Thursday’s 2021 PFL Playoffs 2 main card in Hollywood, Fla.

“I’m not fighting anymore in this event’s season,” Pacheco said in Portuguese on her Instagram stories. “The truth is that I was substituted because I wasn’t able to make the weight. I was two pounds over the weight class.

“In 10 years, this is the first time it happened to me. I’m very sad and I’m disappointed in myself, but that’s part of life and I’m not the only fighter this has happened to. I didn’t have more time to cut weight and because of that I didn’t make it. I think if I would’ve had more time, I would’ve made the weight, but they didn’t allow me and those the rules of the organization. I respect that.

“I’m sorry for everyone who was expecting my fight. I promise I’ll keep my head up and I’ll continue to train and working for this next year. I apologize to my opponent and the organization. Sorry to everyone, and that’s it. I’m good physically and feeling good. Thank you everyone.”

Pacheco missed out on the semifinal bout and the chance to qualify to the Oct. 27 final and a chance fight for a $1 million prize.

It was the first time Pacheco has missed weight in her professional MMA career. Tuesday, she told MMA Junkie she had purposely bulked up 20 pounds in order to compete better at lightweight.

Prior to her 155-pound stint, Pacheco fought at 135 pounds. She fought twice in the UFC and lost both bouts. But before that, she won and defended the Jungle Fight women’s bantamweight title.

Pacheco was coming off two first-round knockouts in the PFL regular season that had her as the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.