PFL executive director Donn Davis expressed regret that two-time league champion Kayla Harrison did not stay with the organization to avoid fighting Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco.
We brought Kayla into MMA from the Olympics. Developed her into a [17-1] star, two-time champion, and one of the greatest women [fighters], top-five in the sport today. Nothing but pride for that, and nothing but respect for Kayla. I'm disappointed that we couldn't keep Kayla here for, what I think, are the two biggest fights of her legacy [Avenging loss to Larissa Pacheco and fighting Cris Cyborg]. I don't like that she ran from those. I don't like that she ran to a brand to validate herself. I think so highly of Kayla Harrison, she doesn't need a brand to validate her. She's that great. That's how highly I think of her, so that disappointed me.
Recall that Harrison will fight against Ketlen Vieira on the night of October 6 at UFC 307.
Harrison last stepped into the octagon against Holly Holm in April of this year at UFC 300. In that fight, which was stopped in the second round, Kayla won by choking submission. She has 17 wins and one loss on her record. Vieira has 14 wins and three losses.