Cris Cyborg vs Larissa Pacheco: odds, live stream; KO, Judges Scorecards Prediction | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

This is a great fight for the PFL because regardless of promotion, it could be the best matchup in women’s MMA right now. The UFC’s top candidate for a new star in the women’s divisions is Kayla Harrison.

Larissa Pacheco turned the tide against Harrison in a fight for the PFL lightweight title in 2022. The Brazilian earned a unanimous decision victory after suffering two losses to Harrison earlier in her career.

Now the PFL has the opportunity to pit a talented champion against one of the division’s biggest stars.

Cyborg isn’t used to being an outsider, but that’s exactly the role she’ll play on Saturday. Pacheco is the slight favorite due to a 10-fight winning streak that includes championship runs at both lightweight and featherweight.

Much of Cyborg’s legacy comes from her extremely aggressive striking and overwhelming power. However, this approach caused her problems in her memorable loss to Amanda Nunes. She opened herself up to counterattacks and the Lioness was good enough to take advantage.

Pacheco may not be as good as Nunes, but she is certainly dangerous with her own counter-punching skills.

Cyborg’s best path to victory is probably to use her wrestling. She can use her boxing to set up the takedowns, but her best chance is to take Pacheco to the mat and dominate top position.

Pacheco isn’t bad locally either. She will test Cyborg’s concentration and technique, even when she’s at the bottom.

Ultimately, this should be a back and forth fight with both fighters having their moments.

We nod to the younger fighter who recently stood on a heater. Pacheco gets a close unanimous decision and becomes a bigger star for PFL.