Cris Cyborg scores historic win at PFL event in Saudi Arabia

Cris Cyborg achieved a significant victory in women's MMA on October 19, 2024, during the PFL Super Fights event held in Saudi Arabia. She faced Larissa Pacheco and won the match by unanimous decision, with each judge scoring it 49-46. Despite encountering serious cuts over both eyes and dealing with Pacheco's resurgence in the third round, Cyborg demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the fight. Cyborg's win marks a historic moment in the PFL, adding to her legacy as a prominent figure in mixed martial arts. After the match, Cyborg expressed her plans to fight again in February 2025 in Dubai and mentioned she has three more fights remaining in her career. The PFL faces challenges in providing competitive opponents in the 145-pound women's division, which has been thin on contenders. The departure of Kayla Harrison to the UFC, who could have been a natural rival, complicates matchmaking moving forward. Currently, the PFL may look at undefeated fighter Sara Collins as a potential opponent for Cyborg's next bout. Reaction from MMA media highlighted the quality of the fight and Pacheco's performance, indicating that while Cyborg secured the decision, Pacheco proved to be a formidable adversary. The event also showcased other matches, including a notable knockout victory by Francis Ngannou, enhancing the show's appeal to MMA fans.