Larissa Pacheco Confirms PFL Release, Citing Unfulfilled Bout and Disputed Circumstances.

Two-time PFL champion Larissa Pacheco has confirmed her departure from the Professional Fighters League roster, issuing a statement over the weekend that expressed disappointment and suggested her release was not due to any fault of her own. The Brazilian powerhouse, known for her formidable striking and historic victory over Kayla Harrison, revealed that she had signed a bout agreement for an unannounced fight that was subsequently canceled, leading to her unexpected release from the promotion.

In a video posted to her Instagram stories, Pacheco detailed the sequence of events, stating, "I was training, I was already in camp. I had to end the camp because they canceled the fight that was booked." Her comments underscore a sense of frustration, particularly given her active preparation for an upcoming contest. Pacheco further indicated that she possesses contractual documentation and other details that she intends to make public at a later date, adding, "Anyway, I have the contract, I have many things you’ll soon know. You’ll know my next step soon, but for now I’m working and doing my part. I know it’s in God’s hands, and soon we’ll have something booked, ok?" This suggests an ongoing situation with potential legal or contractual nuances, as well as an immediate focus on securing her next fighting opportunity.

The PFL has not yet issued an official statement regarding Pacheco’s release, leaving the exact reasons for the separation open to speculation. However, Pacheco’s assertion, "I’m not the one in the wrong. I’ve done my part and delivered fights. They released me for reasons that I’ll talk soon — and it’s not my fault. I’ve done my part, and you have to know that. I’m free — for now, for now," strongly implies a disagreement over the terms or circumstances leading to her departure. The phrase "for now, for now" could hint at a temporary status or an ongoing process regarding her contractual obligations or future plans.

Pacheco’s tenure with the PFL was marked by significant achievements, solidifying her status as one of the promotion’s most decorated female athletes. She rose to prominence by winning the 2022 PFL Women’s Lightweight Tournament, securing a $1 million prize and, crucially, handing Kayla Harrison her first professional defeat in a highly anticipated final bout. Harrison, an Olympic gold medalist in judo, had previously been undefeated and considered the face of the PFL’s women’s division. Pacheco’s victory, achieved via unanimous decision, was a monumental upset that resonated throughout the mixed martial arts world.

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Prior to her championship run, Pacheco had faced Harrison twice in the 2019 PFL season, losing both encounters. Her perseverance and dramatic improvement culminated in the pivotal 2022 final, demonstrating a remarkable evolution in her fighting prowess. Following her championship year, Pacheco participated in the 2023 PFL season, where her campaign concluded in the semi-finals with a decision loss to Marina Mokhnatkina.

Her most recent appearance in the cage was at the PFL vs. Bellator: Champions event on February 24, 2024. In a featherweight super fight, Pacheco delivered another career-defining performance, defeating MMA legend Cris Cyborg by unanimous decision. This victory over an icon further cemented Pacheco’s reputation as an elite competitor capable of challenging and overcoming the sport’s biggest names. Her professional record currently stands at 23 wins and 5 losses.

Pacheco’s career trajectory has seen her transition and adapt across different weight classes and promotions. She initially entered the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2014, competing at bantamweight. During her brief UFC stint, she faced formidable opponents, suffering losses to future champions Jessica Andrade and Germaine de Randamie in 2014 and 2015, respectively. These early experiences, however, appear to have served as foundational steps in her development.

After her UFC run, Pacheco moved up in weight and significantly refined her skills, compiling an impressive record of 13 wins in 16 bouts outside the UFC. Her wins during this period included notable victories over experienced fighters such as Karol Rosa, Sarah Kaufman, and Julia Budd, showcasing her consistent improvement and adaptability. Her powerful striking, particularly her hands, became a defining characteristic of her fighting style, enabling her to secure multiple knockouts and dominate opponents.

The Professional Fighters League has recently undergone significant strategic changes, most notably acquiring rival promotion Bellator MMA in November 2023. This acquisition has led to a roster consolidation process, with a number of fighters from both promotions either being released or integrated into a unified PFL platform. While PFL management has stated their commitment to building a "super-roster" and staging high-profile events, such as the PFL vs. Bellator card where Pacheco last competed, the exact criteria for roster retention and release have not been fully transparent. It is plausible that Pacheco’s release is part of this broader restructuring, though her comments suggest a more specific disagreement rather than a general roster cut.

For Pacheco, being a free agent presents both challenges and opportunities. As a two-time PFL champion with recent victories over elite fighters like Kayla Harrison and Cris Cyborg, her market value remains high. Top promotions globally, including the UFC, ONE Championship, and even the restructured Bellator brand under the PFL umbrella, could be potential destinations. Her track record of delivering exciting fights and her proven ability to compete at the highest level make her an attractive prospect for any organization looking to bolster its women’s divisions.

As Pacheco navigates this new chapter, the MMA community will be watching closely for her next move. Her declaration of being "free" signals her intent to continue her fighting career, and her past performances suggest she will remain a significant force in women’s mixed martial arts, regardless of the banner under which she competes next. The details surrounding her PFL release, particularly her claim of not being "in the wrong," are anticipated to emerge as she prepares to share more information about her contractual situation and future plans.