Potential Kayla Harrison v Cris Cyborg super-fight gains momentum
- Doug Mattushek
- 19 August 2022
A potential cross-promotion super-fight between PFL lightweight champion Kayla Harrison and Bellator featherweight champion Cris Cyborg is nearing closer to fruition.
Harrison and Cyborg have been trading barbs on Twitter, with a recent exchange ending in the latter blaming a contract dispute for preventing a fight deal from getting over the line.
Amid the flurry, PFL founder Donn Davis tweeted that the "fans want the fight" and "the fighters want the fight", pledging $1 million for each fighter and a "$2 million winner bonus".
Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio on Thursday, Harrison backed up Davis' offer, adding that it comes as no surprise.
"No, he means it," said the undfeated Harrison.
"He's not talking. I wasn't surprised. PFL is here to make some big moves, and they're not going anywhere, and I'm happy to be a part of it. We both want that fight, so we're doing everything we can to make that happen."
Gotta say, @KaylaH was ON FIRE this week 🔥 pic.twitter.com/B9YiGs9Czc
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 12, 2022
However, it remains to be seen at what weight the two camps settle on, as Harrison is by far the bigger fighter at lightweight. The impressive American has even competed in Judo in the -78kg division at the Olympics, where she won gold in London and Rio de Janeiro.
Previewing the potential matchup, Harrison went on to comment on the different skills the pair has.
"It's going to be a classic striker vs. grappler matchup," said the 32-year-old.
"I'm going to go out there and still my will - one exchange at a time, one minute at a time, one breath at a time, and we'll see what happens.
"I think she's an excellent striker. She's got excellent footwork. She's a big, strong, sturdy girl. I think she's a really worthy opponent. I think she's awesome, and I have nothing bad to say about her."
