It didn’t take lengthy after her upset loss to Larissa Pacheco this previous November for Kayla Harrison to scrap each plan she had for the 12 months forward.
As she competed in a 3rd season for the PFL, the two-time Olympic gold medalist had already determined that she wouldn’t return for one more event that required her to struggle 4 occasions over roughly seven months. That type of schedule was taxing on her thoughts and physique, so Harrison was anxious to pursue particular person fights, particularly after the PFL introduced plans for extra pay-per-view playing cards beginning in 2023.
However Harrison additionally by no means deliberate on tasting defeat in her profession, so dropping a unanimous determination to Pacheco practically made her stroll again her complete technique.
“I mentioned just about after the struggle, ‘I must struggle within the season,’” Harrison instructed MMA Combating. “Every part I mentioned was out the window, I used to be like, ‘F*** it, I’m going again.’ However that’s not the plan for me. I’m grateful that it didn’t occur.
“[The time off has] been good. It’s totally different. I’ve been combating my complete life. I’ve been doing two-a-days since I used to be 12 years outdated. Caring for me, getting higher within the areas I must get higher at and in addition spending time with the folks I like has been actually good for me.”
If Harrison had crushed Pacheco after already holding two earlier wins over her, it could have successfully ended any actual curiosity in seeing them struggle for a fourth time. However Pacheco’s win appeared to arrange the proper storyline for a fourth encounter whereas additionally giving the PFL a straightforward matchup to marketplace for a future pay-per-view.
Sadly, that potential plan fell aside as soon as Pacheco entered the 2023 PFL season at featherweight and famous that she doesn’t count on a rematch with Harrison to occur this 12 months, as a result of she’ll already be dedicated to 4 fights if she makes it to the finals once more.
That leaves Harrison with plenty of uncertainty and no actual solutions relating to her future as she continues to take a seat and wait for one more struggle.
“Solely God is aware of,” Harrison mentioned about what’s subsequent for her. “Clearly, I wished to struggle within the season as a result of I wished the rematch, and yeah, I wished the rematch however that’s not going to occur. That’s not the PFL’s plan for me. They’ve been in talks with [Cris] Cyborg. I don’t know the place Cyborg and her crew stand. One minute it’s boxing after which it’s again to Bellator, after which it’s PFL probably, so I’m simply making an attempt to remain affected person and keep prepared.
“I’m nonetheless within the health club, I’m coaching laborious, I’m getting higher on a regular basis and placing the items collectively. There’s no level in my stressing about it as a result of I can’t management it. So I’ve simply acquired to let that a part of it go.”
Ideally, Harrison would nonetheless struggle not less than one time in 2023, however she has no path proper now about what plans could also be made relating to her subsequent opponent.
Whereas it’s not the very best set of circumstances to face along with her profession, Harrison has already began to fathom a scenario the place she doesn’t struggle in any respect in 2023.
“If God needs me to take a seat for a 12 months, that’s what I’ll should do,” Harrison mentioned. “I believe that hopefully one thing comes collectively, as a result of I’ve already sat for one 12 months of my prime and I’d actually not like to try this once more, however we’ll see.
“I’ll struggle anyone, I’ll simply put that on the market. I’ll struggle anyone, so if anyone needs to struggle.”
So far as Pacheco goes, Harrison gained’t begrudge her former opponent for leaping on the likelihood to undergo one other season, particularly with the possibility to win the $1 million grand prize on the finish.
Pacheco acknowledged that she was completely open to a different struggle with Harrison, however she wished related compensation as the previous two-time PFL champion. Even Harrison understands these calls for, so there’s no laborious emotions even when they by no means get to struggle once more.
“Hear, completely, she has to do what’s greatest for her,” Harrison mentioned. “There’s no animosity from me for that. You’ll by no means hear me discuss s*** about somebody placing meals on their desk, so I’m not a Larissa hater.
“My journey is my journey and hers is hers, and I want to get that win again, so hopefully we are able to do it sooner or later. However I did win two out of three.”
