Larissa Pacheco, the only woman to have defeated Kayla Harrison in mixed martial arts, has offered to assist Amanda Nunes in her preparation for the highly anticipated UFC showdown against Harrison. The match, which pits two of the sport’s top competitors against each other, is set to happen in the women’s bantamweight division, although a specific date has not yet been announced. Pacheco’s offer reflects either a sense of Brazilian camaraderie or a lingering competitive spirit shared among these fighters.
Harrison vs. Nunes: A Championship Bout on the Horizon
Harrison secured the women’s bantamweight title last month at UFC 316 by defeating Julianna Pena, and she will next face Nunes—widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters in MMA history. Nunes, known as “The Lioness,” is making a return from retirement to take on Harrison, making the upcoming fight a significant event within the UFC. Both fighters are preparing intensely, with Nunes requiring time for her fight camp before stepping back in the Octagon.
Training Dynamics and Larissa Pacheco’s Role
Although Nunes currently trains in Florida, Pacheco remains based in Brazil. The two share a nationality which may make Pacheco’s involvement both practical and motivational. Pacheco has faced Harrison three times during their careers, winning once in a surprising upset under the Professional Fighters League (PFL) banner. Each of their three battles went the full distance, highlighting the evenly matched nature of their rivalry.
Speaking about Pacheco’s involvement, Nunes stated,
“That’s true, we’ve been talking for [a while], and she [Pacheco] already made herself available to help me,”
and added,
“She already faced Kayla three times, so obviously she will help a lot if she really comes to Florida.”
—Amanda Nunes, UFC Fighter
Motivation Behind Nunes’ Return to Competition
In the same interview conducted by Diego Ribas at the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Nunes shared what drives her to return to the sport despite having already earned championship gold in two weight classes. She expressed a deep love for fighting and personal challenge rather than external incentives.
Explaining her reasons, Nunes said,
“I love this sport, I was born for it. I’m an athlete, I’m a fighter. I decided because I really still have a lot. And when I was at home at one point, I felt like fighting again, you know?”
and further clarified,
“Not for nothing, not to face the gym, not to face coaches, not because I need the money, it’s none of that. For the will to fight. I’m a fighter, you know? I like to fight, I like to challenge myself all the time. And that’s why. I love the UFC, I love being here, I love fighting. I don’t have any injuries, I don’t have anything.”
—Amanda Nunes, UFC Fighter
Future Prospects and Contract Details
Nunes confirmed she has signed a contract that includes multiple fights, indicating that her return is not solely for the tale-of-the-tape challenge against Harrison but for a longer commitment within the UFC. However, she remains cautious about the future, stating a willingness to see how things unfold after this next marquee fight. This upcoming matchup is expected to be a defining moment for the women’s bantamweight division and for both fighters’ legacies.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Kayla Harrison adopt her kids?
A. Harrison’s sister had problems with addiction, so their mother first took care of the kids. In 2019, their mom had a stroke, and their stepdad passed away in 2020. After that, Harrison adopted Kyla, who was eight, and Emery, who was two.