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Ngannou vs. Ferreira: Ngannou stops heavyweight in first round of MMA return at PFL Super Fights

Ngannou vs. Ferreira: Ngannou stops heavyweight in first round of MMA return at PFL Super Fights

In the co-main event, Brazilian Cris Cyborg defeated compatriot Larissa Pacheco by unanimous decision in a grueling back-and-forth contest.

In a fight where the dynamic changed several times, 39-year-old Cyborg was the more aggressive, cementing her legacy as one of the best female MMA fighters in history.

The fight was billed as a champion versus champion contest, with Cyborg the reigning Bellator featherweight titleholder and Pacheco winning the 2023 PFL World Featherweight Championship.

Cyborg referred to the pre-fight competition as her “legacy tour” and was tested by Pacheco like few others have been.

During her illustrious 19-year career, which included championship victories in multiple promotions, she has now won 28 fights, lost two and has not been defeated since 2018.

The first round was action-packed as Cyborg landed two takedowns on either side of a fierce headbutt.

Pacheco showed remarkable stamina throughout the fight as she fought back, causing a cut above both of Cyborg's eyebrows.

Cyborg remained unfazed, delivering a flashy spinning backfist before landing another takedown, but momentum swung back in Pacheco's favor in the third round.

Pacheco taunted a stationary Cyborg and called for an attack in the middle of the cage before securing a takedown of her own and controlling the action on the ground.

In a grueling fight, Cyborg began saving her attacks for lightning strikes as she charged forward several times and landed a series of punches, but Pacheco recovered as the fight entered the final round.

Cyborg launched a few big overhand rights in the closing stages, but when the bell rang both fighters raised their arms in the air, believing they had done enough to secure the victory.

As the judges' scores were read out, Cyborg was declared the winner before being awarded a commemorative belt – the fifth title of her amazing career.

“Larissa is a legend in sports. She hits really hard. She's a really good fighter. It’s my pleasure,” Cyborg said.

“I feel very blessed. Very grateful. The time difference is really difficult for me. I have two fights left, I want to defend this title.”

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