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Harrison shuts out Mokhnatkina in 1st PFL appearance of 2022

Invicta FC

Kayla Harrison went to a rare decision in her first PFL appearance of 2022, but she still dominated.

The reigning women's lightweight champion defeated Marina Mokhnatkina via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in the PFL 3 main event Friday in Arlington, Texas.

She earned three points under the PFL's regular-season format but sits No. 2 in the women's lightweight standings. Larissa Pacheco, who nabbed six points earlier Friday, leads in the division.

"I think it was utter dog crap," Harrison said of her performance in her postfight interview. "Sorry to the fans. I wanted to put on a better show for you."

Harrison wasn't as dominant as usual - three of her last four fights resulted in first-round wins - but it was still a one-sided affair. She scored at least one takedown in each round and spent a lot of time controlling Mokhnatkina from on top and against the fence.

"These girls are tougher than you think," Harrison said. "(Mokhnatkina) is a game opponent."

Harrison is the two-time women's lightweight champion in the PFL, having won the tournament in 2019 and 2021. (The 2020 PFL season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

The American Top Team product became a free agent following the 2021 season, but she ultimately re-signed with the PFL on a multi-year deal in March after the promotion matched an offer from Bellator.

Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, remains undefeated in MMA at 13-0.

Mokhnatkina fell to 1-1 in the PFL and 6-3 as a professional. She was riding a two-fight winning streak heading into Friday's main event.

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