Cris Cyborg vs. Larissa Pacheco squared off in a women’s Featherweight contest earlier tonight (Sat. Oct. 19, 2024) from Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In a fun, bloody fight, Cyborg added the PFL title to her legacy.
The fight began with Pacheco stalking her way forward towards Cyborg, who moved her feet and began sticking hard jabs. Just a minute into the fight, Cyborg ducked into a perfect double leg takedown and gained top position with a big slam. Pacheco scrambled to her feet only to absorb a huge high kick! She responded with a massive flurry, and a couple shots landed for the PFL champion.
The fight moved into the clinch, where Cyborg landed some heavy blows from close quarters. Cyborg was already bleeding freely, and she returned to the well with another takedown. She controlled from top, landing occasional ground strikes until near the bell. It was a competitive start, but Cyborg likely won the round on the cards … even if it came at the cost of cuts over both eyes.
Pacheco continued to press into the second, and her right hand was getting closer and closer. Cyborg moved and kicked from the outside, but Pacheco countered her over the top with a mean cross. Cyborg pushed back into the clinch and landed a nasty backfist of the non-spinning variety! She followed up with a nice trip takedown and controlled much of the round from half guard. Back on the feet, Pacheco scored one more nice counter right before the break.
An early right hand scored inside Cyborg’s swings, then the two postured at one another to throw down … to no result. When they reengaged, Pacheco’s straight punches were faster to the target, but Cyborg still kicked effectively. Pacheco caught a low kick, landed a right hand, and used the simultaneous combo to gain top position for the first time. She settled into guard and went to work in opening the cuts further. Pacheco didn’t land massively, but she dug some elbows and definitely won the round.
The two traded kicks to begin the fourth, and Pacheco’s calf kicks were taking an effect. Her right hand continued to counter the kicks well also. Cyborg tried to throw in combination, but her flurries were a bit slower and less accurate. Cyborg landed a big right hand, her best of the fight, but Pacheco wore it pretty well and stayed upright. Another kick catch and return right hand scored hard for Pacheco. The two finished the competitive round with an exchange of punches, takedown attempts, and a Pacheco high kick.
All bets were off with five minutes remaining.
Cyborg began the final frame with a nice jab. The pace stayed measure as Pacheco scored with a counter left hook. Pacheco landed a hard 1-2, but Cyborg fired back with a great flurry that prompted a bad takedown attempt from the younger fighter. Two calf kicks scored for Pacheco; one was countered by a right hand in a mirror moment. Cyborg found a lunging overhand then a stiff jab. With 30 seconds remaining, Cyborg scored a brief takedown then let her opponent up — why?!? Back upstairs both women threw to the bell and landed in a bit of controlled chaos.
After a competitive 25 minutes, neither athlete could be too confident that the judges would side with her. The first three rounds were easy to score, but the final 10 minutes were incredibly close. Ultimately, the judges unanimously sided with Cyborg, awarding her a fifth major title.
It feels like the judges got this one right. Pacheco had a great third round, but she failed to really push her advantage in the championship rounds. Cyborg, conversely, fought through the fatigue and damage really well, sticking to her game plan despite the adversity.
It was a fun fight with solid tension throughout, but Cyborg remains on top at 145-pounds nearly 20 years into their career.
Result: Cris Cyborg defeats Larrisa Pacheco via unanimous decision
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