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Kayla Harrison hopes PFL tournament leads to flood of heavier women’s talent: ‘You have to start somewhere’

For perhaps the first time ever in the modern era of mixed martial arts, the oft-forgotten women’s lightweight division will take center stage this summer when the Professional Fighters League kicks off its second season on May 9 with a 155-pound all-female tournament centered around two-time Olympic gold medalist judoka Kayla Harrison.

Harrison headlines an eight-woman field that also features former Invicta FC and Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman, along with UFC veteran Larissa Pacheco. Similar to PFL’s inaugural season, the competitors will compete in an eight-month, multi-stage tournament that culminates with a championship extravaganza on New Year’s Eve where $1 million will be up for grabs for the winners of each weight class.