LAS VEGAS – Marina Mokhnatkina feels rejuvenated for this season.
Mokhnatkina (11-3 MMA, 5-1 PFL) split her two appearances in the 2022 PFL season, with her loss coming to formerly unbeaten Kayla Harrison by unanimous decision.
She managed to rack up three wins over Yoko Higashi, Evelyn Martins, and an armbar finish of Amber Leibrock to secure her spot vs. 2022 PFL champion Larissa Pacheco in the 2023 PFL Championships on Nov. 23, which takes place at The Anthem in Washington D.C. and streams live on ESPN+ PPV.
“(Pacheco is) a tough opponent, and I improve always,” Mokhnatkina told reporters through an interpreter during a media scrum at Xtreme Couture. “It will be a good fight – two dangerous girls.”
Pacheco pulled off arguably the biggest MMA upset of the year when she defeated Harrison in the 2022 PFL Championships to claim the lightweight title and $1 million.
Pacheco’s 2023 PFL campaign includes three wins and two straight finishes in less than a minute, but Mokhnatkina is ready to pull off a big upset herself.
“Last season, I had some problems,” Mokhnatkina said. “I didn’t have good training camps. I had problems, and I didn’t show what I can (do). This season, I see I can become champion and I can take this belt.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2023 PFL Championships.
