Kayla Harrison Was Scheduled To Fight Cyborg Before Re-Signing With PFL

Kayla Harrison will defend her PFL lightweight championship tonight against Marina Mokhnatkina. Harrison recently re-signed a new deal with the upstart MMA promotion. That may have kept her from a much higher-profile fight.

Harrison recently told TMZ Sports she was scheduled to fight MMA legend Cris Cyborg on April 22nd. The bout was set to take place in Hawaii, according to Kayla. Instead, PFL matched the offer Bellator made and the bout was axed.

“I thought I was gonna be fighting Cris Cyborg on April 22 in Hawaii. So, yes, I’m interested in the fight. I’m more than ready and willing to step up for that opportunity. I think the fans want it, I know I want it, I know PFL wants it. I’m ready! I thought that that was gonna happen this year, I thought it was gonna happen last week.

I accepted [against Cyborg] and PFL had the right to match and ultimately, they did. I’m happy, I’m very happy with where I’m at. I’m excited about the season, you know, I’m excited for the potential fight with Cyborg but I have four fights in front of me in five and a half months. It’s no easy feat. It’s a grind.”

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Kayla Harrison is hoping the sides can come together to eventually book the fight with Cyborg. For now, she is focused on defending her title in PFL. Kayla would love the chance to beat an MMA legend and solidify her legacy.

Time will tell if Cyborg and Harrison will ever square off. For now, the opponent in front of her is Marina Mokhnatkina. Fans can check out the matchup at 9 PM on ESPN+.

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