Cris Cyborg emerged victorious against Larissa Pacheco in the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants, securing the win via unanimous decision.
As Cris Cyborg approaches her 20th anniversary of dominance in combat sports, the 39-year-old Brazilian-American continues to cement her place in mixed martial arts (MMA) history. Her recent win at the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Super Fights in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked her fifth major title, defeating Larissa Pacheco by unanimous decision to become the inaugural PFL Women’s Featherweight World Champion. This victory further cements Cyborg’s status as one of the greatest female fighters of all time, as she prepares for her next challenge in Dubai in February 2025.
Cyborg’s journey through combat sports is legendary, having already claimed championships in Bellator, UFC, Strikeforce, and Invicta. At 39, many questioned whether Cyborg could still dominate, especially against a rising star like Pacheco. “Maybe they saw me as the underdog because she’s a PFL champion, and I’m from Bellator... Maybe it’s my age. She has seven wins by KO, and I’m just a 39-year-old. The old savage. But it’s good, I like being the underdog,” Cyborg shared before the fight.
The atmosphere in the majestic Mayadeen Theatre in Riyadh set the stage for a defining moment in women’s MMA. Cyborg’s experience quickly became evident, despite Pacheco’s resilience. “I figured out what needed to be done after a few rounds. The experience helped me a lot — you just have to be smart,” Cyborg explained after the win.
The five-round battle was intense, with both fighters exchanging leg kicks, head strikes, and takedowns. By the final round, Cyborg’s dominance was clear, earning her another historic title. The unanimous decision (49-46 on all three scorecards) crowned her the inaugural PFL Women’s Featherweight World Champion, breaking Pacheco’s win streak.
Reflecting on the victory, Cyborg emphasized the significance of the moment. “For me, it was a historic fight in Saudi Arabia. I never really predicted being here,” she said, marking her first major fight in the Middle East. Winning the PFL title in Riyadh was not only a personal achievement but also a significant statement about the growing landscape of women’s combat sports in the region.
Cyborg’s passion extends beyond the octagon. Known for her dedication to equal pay and opportunities for female fighters, she spoke about the ongoing challenges women face in combat sports. “Equal pay is the hardest fight for female fighters. MMA is better than boxing in that regard, but there’s still growth to be made. I hope fights like these motivate more people to support and watch women’s fights, drawing in bigger crowds.”
As Cyborg prepares for Dubai in 2025, the MMA world will once again witness the greatness of a fighter whose legacy transcends the sport. “Every fight is really hard for me. This title is special because I’m 39 years old,” says the Brazilian powerhouse, as she looks ahead to what could be the final stages of one of the most celebrated careers in MMA history.
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