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Thu, Dec 26, 2024 | Jumada al-Aakhirah 25, 1446 | DXB
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Cris Cyborg defeats Larissa Pacheco in a historic night for women's MMA in Riyadh
Fans witnessed an electrifying showdown for the PFL Women’s Featherweight Championship in Saudi Arabia
2024 PFL Superfights PPV: Battle of the Giants at the Mayadeen Theatre in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
As anticipation reached its peak for the PFL Super Fights ‘Battle of the Giants’ in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, MMA fans were treated to a night of high-stakes, electrifying battles. Among the headline matchups, a particularly iconic showdown saw the legendary Cris Cyborg face off against the rising star, Larissa Pacheco, in a thrilling contest for the first Women’s Featherweight PFL Super Fight Championship.
The event, held at the Mayadeen Theatre, brought together some of the biggest names in the fighting world and marked the first large-scale sporting event to take place at the grand venue.
Alongside the highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira, which ended in a dramatic first-round knockout, Cyborg vs. Pacheco was billed as a historic moment for women’s MMA, as two elite athletes squared off to determine who would reign supreme in the Featherweight division.
The Brazilian powerhouse secured her victory over Pacheco with a unanimous decision, showcasing her striking power and superior grappling throughout the five-round battle.
The fight kicked off with Cyborg establishing her dominance early, using effective jabs and a powerful body lock to test Pacheco's grappling skills. The first round showcased Cyborg's striking prowess, culminating in a big slam that shifted the momentum in her favour.
As the rounds progressed, Pacheco found her rhythm, landing some solid strikes and showing her grit. However, Cyborg’s wrestling skills proved to be a significant advantage. The fourth round saw both fighters exchange heavy blows, with Pacheco scoring some significant strikes.
Cyborg, a trailblazer and icon in combat sports, entered the cage with an illustrious career already under her belt. Having captured titles in multiple top-tier organisations—UFC, Strikeforce, Invicta, and Bellator—the 39-year-old fighter arrived in Riyadh aiming to add the PFL Super Fights belt to her collection.
Ahead of the fight, she expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity and excitement for what the match represented for her career.
"First, I want to say thank you to the people of Saudi Arabia. I feel very blessed to be here, and I'm excited for the fight. It’s the start of my legacy tour. I’m going to fight for the belt," Cyborg shared in the days leading up to the event.
On the opposite side of the cage, Pacheco, nine years younger than Cyborg, embraced the underdog role with fierce determination. The Brazilian fighter, who has been steadily making her mark on the MMA scene, recognised the magnitude of the opportunity in front of her.
"This is the fight that I wanted. I’ve been preparing for a long time for this moment," said Pacheco, in a pre-fight event in Riyadh.
As the fight progressed, it was evident that both women came prepared for battle, making the co-main event live up to the hype. However, it was Cyborg’s superior experience and striking power that ultimately overwhelmed Pacheco.
The PFL Super Fights delivered its promise of unforgettable action, as the biggest MMA event in the country, further elevating the global profile of MMA, particularly within Saudi Arabia’s booming sports scene.
somya@khaleejtimes.com
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Somya Mehta
Somya Mehta is a Senior Features Writer at Khaleej Times, who contributes extensively to the UAE's arts, culture, and lifestyle scene. When not engrossed in writing, you'll find her on the hunt for the next best solo travel destination or indulging in podcast binges.
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