PFL 2: 2023 Regular Season: The Theater At Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas
There’s been some changes in the Professional Fighters League as far as the women go. There’s no Kayla Harrison to deal with in the division. And the division is now ten-pounds lighter. The being said, their defending champ keeps her streak going. As Larissa Pacheco extends her win streak to seven, although she ends a streak of five-straight first-round knockouts.
Former Bellator featherweight champion Julia Budd now has dropped her last three. This one being a unanimous decision (30-27 2x, 29-28). For the sixth-time in a row now Budd has gone to the cards. Fighting at her normal weight class now, and with a reach advantage Budd should have been in her zone. Especially with Pacheco now having to fight at 145.
But the Brazilian stalked the Canadian early, easily getting inside her range. And with Budd having zero head movement was an easy target. Budd was able to sneak in a takedown, but it was Pacheco being more active from the bottom. The duo traded in the middle round as Budd found her stride. When they clinched up, Budd was successful landing knees. Then the pair exchanged on the mat thanks to a grappling reversal by Pacheco where she started to hunt for submissions.
They started to pick up the pace inthe final round. The 28-year old champion worked hard for her own takedown, eventually getting it. She again hunted for multiple submissions. And it came to a close with both trading serious leather on the canvas.
The Champ Keeps Her Streak Going But Can She Repeat…
Pacheco slowed her pace in the middle round. And although she finished the night with the fastest kick (52 mph), this season is a whole new ball game for her. Now the others are used to the weight. Once she gets locked in to it, there shouldn’t be a massive issue. As long as she keeps her aggression. And she may need to use a lot more of her ground game then she originally planned. That’s because at least after this fight, her power might not have totally transfered.
The competition while well rounded at 145, shouldn’t give her nightmares. Sitting atop the division is Amber Leibrock, now on a four-fight win streak since being cut by Bellator. Thanks to a vicious first-round head kick knockout. She’s well rounded, but Pacheco is a tad better on the feet and another class on the ground.
Olena Kolesnyk who beat former UFC fighter Aspen Ladd has lost to her twice. So the way the season started with Pacheco against Budd may very well be the way we finish it. This time with a title attached to it. Otherwise, this years female 145-pound strap is Pacheco’s to lose.
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