Brett OkamotoESPN Staff Writer3 Minute Read
WASHINGTON D.C. — A highly anticipated superfight between two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison and Bellator MMA champion Cris Cyborg has been a long-standing desire for fans. Now, for the first time, the path seems clear for this epic showdown to take place.
Harrison (16-1) is well aware of this opportunity and took the chance to officially challenge Cyborg to face her in the PFL in 2024 after her dominant victory over Aspen Ladd early in 2023.
Recently, the PFL made headlines by announcing the acquisition of Bellator MMA from Paramount, marking the first time both Harrison and Cyborg are under contract with the same company. Right after her win on Friday night, Harrison wasted no time in making a direct reference to a potential fight with Cyborg.
“PFL just acquired Bellator,” Harrison said. “I heard there’s a girl in Bellator who thinks she’s a bad b—-. Why don’t we find out?”
Cyborg (27-2), who is set to box professionally in January, quickly responded with a comment that added fuel to the fire.
“I’m a women (sic). Not a girl,” she wrote. “Women don’t refer to themselves as b—-. You basic.”
A fight between Harrison and Cyborg would undeniably be the most compelling showdown in women’s MMA at the moment. Harrison, renowned for her judo skills with two Olympic gold medals, only suffered her first defeat at the end of 2022. Cyborg, on the other hand, is a respected veteran in the sport and is fresh off a successful Bellator title defense in October.
The PFL has expressed its intentions to continue operating Bellator as a separate league but is also considering a PFL champion vs. Bellator champion event in early 2024, possibly in February. This theme was evident at the PFL 2023 Championship Finals on Friday, with champions potentially facing off against each other.
Additionally, the PFL crowned its first two-weight champion and saw other notable victories. However, the high-profile matchup between Harrison and Cyborg continues to generate significant interest.
It’s clear that the potential superfight between Harrison and Cyborg has set the stage for an electrifying period in the world of women’s MMA. With both fighters now under the PFL umbrella, fans are eagerly anticipating an official announcement of this monumental clash.
