Larissa Pacheco (23-5) is one of the most accomplished women in professional MMA.
Pacheco actually fought in the UFC way back in 2014 at the age of 19, losing to a pair of future champions in Jessica Andrade and Germaine de Randamie. She would join the PFL roster soon afterward, losing twice to Kayla Harrison in her first four bouts with the promotion. Afterward, however, the Brazilian slugger hit her stride, winning ten straight fights including a five-round revenge victory over Harrison, the current
UFC women’s Bantamweight champion.
Most recently, Pacheco came up short against Cris Cyborg in a five-round war, which ended her PFL contract. Now a free agent, Pacheco somewhat randomly popped up in Karate Combat last weekend, delivering an absurd tomahawk elbow knockout (watch here).
Given her history with Harrison, world-class resume, and 82% finishing ratio, it feels like a lock that Pacheco should end up on the UFC roster, right? Though she’s been fighting at Featherweight and Lightweight since leaving the Octagon, the Brazilian scrapper has expressed a willingness to return to 135 pounds. Unfortunately, it appears that UFC matchmakers have no interest.
While speaking with Ag. Fight, Pacheco pulled out her phone to show an alleged email from UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard. The email reads simply, “I am not interested but thank you” in response to the subject line “Larissa Pacheco (135).”
This is, to be frank, a disappointment. I could fully understand the UFC passing on Pacheco if she was unwilling to drop below 145 pounds, but she’s willing to cut back down to 135! The women’s Bantamweight division is in dire straits, filled up with old contenders from a generation ago and no new talent. Pacheco may not be a young up-and-comer, but she’s still in her prime and is known for dramatic knockouts. Why not sign her? Who else is Harrison going to face if victorious against (the recently retired) Amanda Nunes?
Maybe UFC really will shutter the division after Harrison vs. Nunes.
