I left with a Russian flag, but they didn’t let me take a million dollars. Mokhnatkina’s devastating defeat

I left with a Russian flag, but they didn’t let me take a million dollars. Mokhnatkina’s devastating defeat

November 25, 2023, 08:05 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.

However, Marina demonstrated phenomenal willpower.

On the night of November 25 in Washington (USA), the final phase of the regular season of the PFL league took place at The Anthem stadium. As part of the main card of the event, among others, a decisive fight took place in the women’s featherweight category. Russian Marina Mokhnatkina competed for the title and the $1 million prize with Brazilian Larissa Pacheco.

For Mokhnatkina, this was the first PFL final in her career. The Russian woman at one time collected all possible titles in sambo, but in her career in mixed martial arts she did not reach the belts, losing once in the final of Fight Nights. In the PFL, Marina lost to Kayla Harrison last May, but since then she has won five fights in a row. This season Mokhnatkina has three victories, which allowed the girl to reach the final of the season.

Larissa Pacheco, for her part, is a fighter with more titles. She has been competing in the PFL since 2019. At the same time, she made her first appearance in the finals, where she lost to Kayla Harrison. Last year, Pacheco got revenge on her title rival and became PFL champion. And this season the Brazilian confirms her claims to her belt. Larissa’s total winning streak is now nine fights and in seven cases her opponents were knocked out. Pacheco is famous for her knockout power and she entered the fight with Mokhnatkina as the clear favorite of hers and with the intention of knocking out her opponent. By the way, Marina entered the fight with the Russian flag.

Main events of the PFL final:

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Pacheco started noticeably better than the Russian and landed several strong blows in the first attacks. Marina felt a little dizzy after the strong blows, but she survived, even though the Brazilian continued her attacks. Mokhnatkina stopped trying to fight on her feet and began to seek success in wrestling. In one of the episodes, Marina almost fell into the guillotine, but in the end she even managed to do a knee lever and put all her strength into the technique. Along the way, the Russian suffered damage from blows to the body and head, but she did not give up and held on until the end of the round.

In the second lap the pace dropped slightly. Mokhnatkina moved more, although she was already breathing heavily, and Pacheco took shortcuts and periodically landed well. It was almost impossible to enter the fight due to a simple lack of strength, but a minute and a half before the end Marina was able to pass the Brazilian, although she did not benefit from it. In the third five-minute period, the Russian continued to follow her line: movements away from Larissa’s right hand and single attempts at wide strikes. At the same time, Pacheco received a blow, and a very strong one, but Marina withstood the blow and tried to respond. Two minutes before the end of the round, she managed to drag her opponent to the canvas and hug her. The Brazilian was in a dominant position, she first hit with hammer fists, then tried to strangle her, but Mokhnatkina did not allow them to do anything.

The fourth round turned out to be the calmest. Marina did better on the ground, she was able to execute a pass and tried to turn her heel, but Pacheco defended herself. In stand-up, the pace dropped, the opponents were tired, although Larissa’s punches still posed a great threat. Mokhnatkina did not force fate and tried to minimize the risks. In the final stretch the speed dropped completely, there were practically no accurate attacks, but the Russian found a way to make a takedown. On the ground, Marina tried to throw punches, but Pacheco confidently defended himself and immobilized his opponent, not allowing himself to finish.

This season, PFL broadcasts are available on OKKO.

Marina was unable to win the fight and ultimately lost by unanimous decision. However, Mokhnatkina demonstrated phenomenal willpower and heroically resisted strong blows, trying to the last to change the tide of the battle. This definitely deserves respect.