After being cut from the PFL, Larissa Pacheco appeals to Dana White and dreams of a return to the UFC.

Larissa smiles during training. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/lpaccheco

Larissa Pacheco is determined and has a clear goal in mind. Last Thursday (23), the Brazilian was surprised by the PFL and, even being one of the main names in the league, ended up being cut. Now, without a contract and free on the market, the former champion of the company intends to return, but not to the last home that received her, but to the UFC.

In an interview with 'MMA Fighting', Larissa publicly stated her desire to rejoin the sport's biggest organization. It's worth noting that the Brazilian, still early in her career and considered a promising fighter, competed twice in the UFC, in 2014 and 2015. However, after being defeated by Jéssica Andrade and Germaine de Randamie , she was subsequently cut from the roster.

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Years later, the Paraense fighter signed with PFL and made history, changing her level in the sport. With the organization, Larissa won the lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) and featherweight (up to 65,8 kg) tournaments and ended the undefeated streak of her rival Kayla Harrison in the trilogy. Therefore, now at 31 years old, and established in MMA, the Paraense fighter guarantees she is prepared to make a name for herself in the UFC and leave her mark on the company.

“I was 19 years old when I joined the UFC. I didn't have even 10% of the resources I have today in terms of weight cutting, fight quality, everything. I was just a girl and they put me to fight against two champions. I was at the height of my innocence in the sport, just starting out. It's been 12 years since my last fight in the UFC. Look what I've built since then. Dana, I'm here, ready and willing. I'm here to prove that I have what it takes to be in the UFC, deliver great results and show a different Larissa. Now I'm mature, I'm organized, I can make weight and put on a show,” said Larissa.

And the Brazilian fighter is so eager to return to the UFC that she says it's her life's project, calling the organization her 'home'. Furthermore, one factor that could bring Larissa closer to the company is Amanda Nunes , her friend who has a great relationship with Dana White. Even after leaving the PFL with star status, the humble athlete stated that, to fight in the octagon again, she would even accept being a last-minute replacement in a fight.

“I’m focused on what I need to do to get there. I’ll do everything I can to get back, because I truly believe that’s where I belong. I’m ready to fight in events outside the UFC as well, if I need to prove to you, Dana, that I’m here. My partnership with Amanda only demonstrates my strength as an athlete and how much I can contribute. I’m here. Just call me. I’m ready to get in action, but if I need to prove my worth, I’m ready for that too. That’s my life goal now. I’ve already achieved a lot. Now it’s time to go home,” she concluded.

Larissa at PFL

While Larissa Pacheco didn't succeed in the UFC, she evolved in the PFL, elevating women's MMA and the company to a prominent level. Within the organization, the Brazilian became a force and impressed with her knockout power. In the cage, she defeated important figures such as Kayla Harrison (after losing two fights to her), Julia Budd , and Sarah Kaufman.

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