Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kayla Harrison came up short in her efforts to win a third PFL title as she was beaten for the first time in her professional career.
History didn't repeat itself as Harrison, 32, was unable to beat her Larissa Pacheco in their trilogy fight at the PFL Championships in New York. The accomplished judoka had already beaten Pacheco by decision twice before, but she failed to make it three in three against the Brazilian as she was outclassed by her over five rounds. The defeat puts an end to Harrison's unbeaten run in the cage as she won 15 consecutive fights before facing Pacheco.
Harrison was light on her feet as the fight began but it only took a minute for her to score her first takedown of the fight, using her judo skills to slam Pacheco to the mat with a perfect hip throw. Harrison was landing punches from inside Pacheco's guard with the Brazilian showing little desperation to escape the position.
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Pacheco had a great second round as Harrison was finally troubled for the first time in her professional career thanks to some big punches from the Brazilian. Harrison almost gave up her neck whilst shooting for takedown as Pacheco attempted a guillotine choke but her grip just gave way. The submission attempts from Pacheco continued in the third round as she attempted a triangle choke but Harrison defended well.
As the championship rounds got underway it was still neck-and-neck, with Harrison landing a big takedown and scoring strikes from a top position. Just minutes later, Pachecho took her rival's back and looked for the rear-naked choke but was unable to get it. Harrison was not having it her own way in the final round despite scoring another takedown, with Pacecho refusing to accept the bottom position by reversing the American and landing hard punches on the ground.
It was two rounds apiece heading into the fifth round and Pacheco came out stronger, fighting off Harrison's takedown attempts with relentless punches to the side of her head. Harrison was able to get Pacheco to the mat as the final bell sounded but it wasn't enough as the three judges all scored it 48-47 in the Brazilian's favour.
Harrison is still under contract with the PFL following the win but will not compete in next year's regular season, with the American planning to take part in the promotion's inaugural super-fight league. The 32-year-old has been linked to a fight with multiple-promotion champion Cris Cyborg, with PFL boss Donn Davis guaranteeing both fighters $1m and the winner a $2m win bonus.
