PFL Star Larissa Pacheco Becomes Free Agent After Release

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Larissa Pacheco, the only fighter to defeat UFC champion Kayla Harrison, is now a free agent after being released from the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The announcement came on Thursday, with PFL officials thanking her for her contributions and wishing her success in her future endeavors.

Pacheco, a two-time tournament champion, has been a pivotal fighter for the PFL since its inception, competing in both featherweight and lightweight divisions. The Brazilian fighter previously struggled in the bantamweight class during her time in the UFC but found success in heavier divisions.

Her most notable achievement came in 2022 when she defeated Harrison in a closely contested fight to claim the PFL lightweight championship. She continued her success by winning the PFL featherweight championship the following year. However, her last fight was a unanimous decision loss to Cris Cyborg in 2024, and she has not competed since then.

Despite her impressive record of 10 wins in her last 11 fights, her recent inactivity raised questions about her future. PFL did not host a featherweight division in the 2025 season, contributing to her release. Pacheco’s next steps are uncertain as she enters an MMA landscape with limited opportunities, especially in the women’s bantamweight division.

Before joining the PFL, Pacheco had a rocky career in the UFC, where she went 0-2 in two fights. Her last appearance in the Octagon was during ‘The Ultimate Fighter 28’ in 2018, where she was eliminated early in the competition.

Losing Pacheco marks a notable change for the PFL, as many fans and analysts are eager to see where her career goes from here. A return to the UFC at bantamweight may be possible, but it is unclear if the promotion will pursue her again.