NEW YORK — The third time wasn't the charm for Kayla Harrison.
After defeating Larissa Pacheco twice by unanimous decision in 2019, Harrison was shocked by the Brazilian via a unanimous decision loss Friday night inside the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. With the upset, Pacheco was crowned the new world lightweight PFL champion and took the cool $1 million that came with it. Judges all scored it 48-47 in favor of Pacheco. DAZN News scored it 48-47 for Harrison.
Although Harrison produced six key takedowns, Pacheco showed improved takedown defense. While on the ground, Pacheco also made sure that Harrison ate plenty of punishment courtesy of her hands as she connected with stiff, heavy-handed punches that caused damage. Plus, the Brazilian also threatened two key submissions against the former two-time PFL world lightweight champion, including a triangle that had the American reeling during the third round. That, and Pacheco was sharp on the feet, connecting on stinging combinations to Harrison's reddened face.
The night awarded five other world champions with a $1 million apiece. Next year, PFL MMA events will be available to stream on DAZN in select regions.
Here's how the entire 2022 PFL World Championship finals went.