Larissa Pacheco is concerned about Kayla Harrison’s decision to move to a lower division in her entrance to UFC. According to the PFL fighter, such a dramatic cut in weight could affect the former opponent’s performance.
This week, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Harrison has joined the promotion’s roster by making her debut at UFC 300 in April against Holly Holm. This, however, is not the only surprising detail of the announcement, as the fighter will also be moving to a class weight new to her, the bantamweight.
Many pros have been expressing doubt about Harrison’s ability to reach the weight. Pacheco, the only fighter who defeated Harrison, thinks the adjustment is possible but noted that it could have a problematic effect on the fellow fighter’s performance.
“I think it’s going to be difficult for her,” Pacheco told MMA Junkie via an interpreter. “For example, myself, I don’t even have as much muscle mass as she does, and I know how much I suffered to cut down to 145 (pounds), and she’s going to come out to a lower division. I worry that she’s going to lose performance; she’s going to lose potency. It’s going to be tough for her. It’s going to be difficult.”
Harrison will be facing bantamweight veteran Holm, who is coming to the cage with a loss from last July. Yet, for Megan Anderson, who met Holm in 2018, this doesn’t mean it would be an easy fight for Harrison, especially if the weight cut would affect her performance.
“Will her strength still be there dropping to a much lower weight class she’s never fought before?” posted Anderson on X. “Holly, to this day, is legit THE strongest opponent I’ve fought – she’s insanely strong and could give Kayla some issues.
“Harrison’s striking: It’s been her weaker point to her game as she’s transitioned to MMA understandably, and she’s had some issues being able to close the range. Holly is a master at range control, which could give Kayla issues… I don’t think people should be counting Holm out, though, because of her age – she’s still world-class!”
