PFL CEO, Peter Murray, has provided Bloody Elbow an update on the status of Cris Cyborg and when fans can expect to see the Bellator featherweight champion compete in MMA again.
Fans have been desperate to see Cris Cyborg in action after the promotion ran a champions vs champions event at the end of February, where the 38-year-old was not involved.
Original plans for Cris Cyborg to compete in PFL
The original plan was for Cyborg to fight the PFL 2023 featherweight champion, Larissa Pacheco.
When the announcement of the promotions merging was made, it seemed as though we would finally get a fight between Cris Cyborg and Kayla Harrison, after the two had spent years going back and forth with each other.
Despite that, Harrison signed with the UFC shortly after, with that fight evading us once again.
Cyborg recently commented on her relationship with the PFL following Donn Davies’ interview on the MMA Hour, stating that their relationship is in a good place.
“I do not think our relationship is totally fine or in any type of a good place. I am healthy and ready to fight and PFL or Bellator are not promoting a fight for me.” Cyborg said on X.
PFL targeting PFL Super Fight Division return for Cyborg
Talking exclusively to Bloody Elbow, PFL CEO Peter Murray said that the promotion is targeting Cyborg’s MMA return for September as the co-main event on the PFL Super Fight event. Murray also admitted that they’re looking at making that fight against Larissa Pacheco.
“There’s really no animosity, we have nothing but respect for Cris. We had the ability to acquire Bellator which gives us the opportunity to support Cris who’s one of the greatest in the world. Now that we have the Super Fight division, it really is the best of the best and it’s a perfect platform for Cris to compete on.
“A great opportunity to compete against Larissa Pacheco, it’s going to be a great fight and we’re targeting that as the co-main event for September.” Murray said.
Despite not having an MMA fight booked yet, Cyborg does have a boxing bout booked for April 27th, which is something the PFL is supportive of her doing.
“We’re supportive of what Cris is doing in combat sports, including boxing.” Peter Murray added.
Cris Cyborg’s dominant run in Bellator
The last time the Brazilian competed in MMA was back in October at Bellator 300, where she competed in one of three title fights on the milestone event.
On that blockbuster card, the 38-year-old knocked out Cat Zingano in the first round, defending her Bellator featherweight title for a fifth time.
Following that event, a fight was made between contenders Leah McCourt and Sinead Kavanagh and was scheduled to take place on the first Bellator Champions Series event in Belfast this past March. Unfortunately, McCourt pulled out due to injury, with Cyborg claiming she wanted to step in to defend her title against Kavanagh.
Although that fight was likely going to determine who Cyborg defend her Bellator title against next, the PFL has different plans for the Brazilian as they continue to work towards making Cyborg vs Pacheco in a champion vs champion fight.