Within the co-main occasion, Brazil’s Cris Cyborg beat compatriot Larissa Pacheco by unanimous determination in a gruelling back-and-forth contest.
In a struggle the place momentum modified a number of occasions, Cyborg, 39, was the extra aggressive as she cemented her legacy as probably the greatest feminine MMA fighters in historical past.
The bout was billed as a champion versus champion contest, with Cyborg the reigning Bellator featherweight title holder and Pacheco profitable the 2023 PFL featherweight international league.
Cyborg referred pre-fight to the competition as her “legacy tour” and was examined by Pacheco like few others have been in a position to.
Throughout a glittering 19-year-career which has included championship victories throughout a number of promotions, she has now received 28 fights, misplaced two, and has not been defeated since 2018.
The primary spherical was action-packed, as Cyborg landed two takedowns both aspect of a vicious head kick.
Pacheco, as she would present all through the bout, displayed exceptional sturdiness as she fought again, opening a minimize above each of Cyborg’s eyebrows.
Cyborg was not fazed, delivering an attention-grabbing spinning backfist earlier than touchdown one other takedown, however momentum would swing again in Pacheco’s favour within the third.
Pacheco taunted a stationary Cyborg, demanding engagement within the centre of the cage, earlier than securing a takedown of her personal and controlling the motion on the bottom.
In a gruelling contest, Cyborg began to save lots of her assault for blitzes as she rushed ahead a number of occasions, touchdown a flurry of strikes, however Pacheco as soon as extra would get well because the struggle entered the ultimate spherical.
Cyborg launched a few huge overhand rights within the closing levels however because the bell rang, each fighters raised their arms within the air, believing they’d carried out sufficient to safe victory.
Because the judges’ scores had been learn out, Cyborg was declared the victor, earlier than she was awarded a commemorative belt – the fifth title of her magnificent profession.
“Larissa is a legend in sports activities. She punches actually exhausting. She’s a very good fighter. It is a pleasure for me,” stated Cyborg.
“I really feel very blessed. Very grateful. The time distinction is absolutely tough for me. I’ve two extra fights, I wish to defend this title.”
