There were multiple bidders in play for Cris Cyborg’s services as a free agent. PFL was one of them.
The seasonal-based promotion would’ve benefitted enormously from Cyborg’s popularity. But PFL president Ray Sefo said the ex-UFC, Strikeforce, and Invicta featherweight champ ultimately chose Bellator for competitive and personal reasons.
First, Sefo said, Cyborg wasn’t sold on moving up to the lightweight division, where the PFL has built a tournament around Kayla Harrison.
“I think she wanted to stay in the 145-pound division,” Sefo told MMA Junkie.
Cyborg’s free agency lasted about one month after her dramatic departure from the UFC. Bellator president Scott Coker announced a multi-year, multi-fight deal he said was the most lucrative in women’s MMA history.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Harrison is also chasing big money in the PFL’s first-ever women’s MMA tournament. She takes on Genah Fabian next month in the semifinal round of a four-woman playoff and is favored to win a $1 million payout offered the winner.
As Cyborg’s free agency loomed, Harrison issued a challenge to the ex-champ, offering a “second-place” spot in the PFL. But that apparently didn’t get the ex-champ’s attention.
What did, Sefo said, was Cyborg’s history with Bellator’s Coker.
“I think she felt a little bit more comfortable because of that past history,” said Sefo, who fought for Coker in the now-defunct Strikeforce before retiring. “I wish her the best.”
Cyborg, who in July outpointed Felicia Spencer, is expected to get an immediate title shot against Bellator featherweight champ Julia Budd. Coker has said there are at least four potential opponents in her future and expects she’ll fight two to three times a year. Per her contract, she’s also free to pursue professional boxing.
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