PFL CEO Peter Murray wishes Kayla Harrison well in her next endeavor with the UFC.
Widely considered the PFL’s biggest star, Harrison opted to sign with the UFC after six years with the promotion. Harrison (16-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) meets former champion Holly Holm (15-6 MMA, 8-6 UFC) in a bantamweight bout April 13 at UFC 300 in Las Vegas.
Even before PFL acquired Bellator, a superfight between two-time PFL champion Harrison and Bellator champ Cris Cyborg was brewing, but Harrison’s decision to join the UFC has put a halt to that.
“We’re disappointed that fight between Cyborg and Kayla did not happen,” Murray said in Wednesday’s press conference. “Kayla chose not to make it happen and move on to her next chapter.”
Murray did not clarify what happened with Harrison’s PFL contract, which, according to PFL co-founder Donn Davis, still had one fight remaining. Murray did, however, continue to express his disappointment in losing out on the Harrison vs. Cyborg fight.
“We had the fight that matters – the fight that matters most,” Murray said. “Candidly, the biggest fight in women’s sports, in MMA. Ultimately, Kayla made a decision to move on. We wanted to make that fight, but once again, we’re going to continue to build what we’re building. We have a great PFLW roster, and with respect to contract details, it’s all good. We’re supportive of Kayla.”
Murray insists there’s no bad blood between PFL and Harrison.
“Listen, we wish Kayla well,” Murray said. “She’s a two-time champion with us, women’s 155, and she’s moving on to UFC. She’s going to be on a historic card, which I believe is a testament to the level and quality of talent in the PFL, so we wish her well.”
