Larissa Pacheco eyes fourth Kayla Harrison fight despite 2023 PFL season format separation

LAS VEGAS – In 2023, Larissa Pacheco sets her sights on multiple achievements; one inside the season and one outside.

Pacheco (19-4) returns to action Friday at 2023 PFL 2 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels when she takes on former Bellator champion Julia Budd (16-5). While she’s focused on the task at hand, a big fight looms large.

The elephant in the room is a fourth fight against Kayla Harrison (15-1), of course. While often fighters downplay fights beyond the one in front of them at a given time, Pacheco wasn’t afraid to lobby for this one when she spoke Monday with MMA Junkie Radio.

“The rivalry exists,” Pacheco said. “I took away her invincibility. She’s still under contract with PFL. I think if I win, that’s the fight. I think everybody wants that fight. I know she wants it. I want it. The event wants it. I think it’s the right fight to make. … I feel great with that win. I mean, we’re talking about an athlete that comes from another sport and is a two-time Olympic medalist. She’s at another level. I managed to beat someone with those qualifications. She’s a great athlete. It really means a lot to me.”

Pacheco has fought Harrison three times, all under the PFL banner. While it was Harrison who won the first two meetings, Pacheco shocked the MMA world in December when she became the first opponent to defeat Harrison. Pacheco did so via unanimous decision and captured the 2022 PFL women’s lightweight title and $1 million prize in the process.

Now back for another crack at a post-season title and seven-figure paycheck, Pacheco enters a women’s field that does not feature Harrison, a first for the promotion since its season format inception. Pacheco doesn’t see a decreased likelihood the fight happens, despite the season serving as a barrier in the immediate.

While the 2023 season features women’s featherweights, Pacheco said she’d be willing to move up to lightweight and face Harrison in the same weight class as the other three meetings.

“It’s probably more feasible to do it at 155,” Pacheco said. “It’s more comfortable for everybody. She’s very strong at that weight. I’d be stronger, too. I think that would make for a better matchup, so I think 155 would be the correct weight to do it at.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL 2023, Week 2.