Issue 057
December 2009
Probably the most fearsome female fighter to ever step into a ring or cage, Cristiane ‘Cyborg’ Santos has earned her reputation as a ferocious competitor with a ‘take no prisoners’ fighting style that has seen her go undefeated since 2005.
STATISTICS
Name Cristiane ‘Cyborg’ Santos
Age 24
Height 5’8”
Category 145lb
Record 8-1-0
6 (T)KOs (75 %)
2 Decisions (25 %)
Fighting Style Muay Thai / Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Fights out of Curitiba, California
Active since 2005
The Brazilian fighter is riding high following her win over Gina Carano in what was the highest profile female fight in MMA history. When she and Carano appeared as the Strikeforce’s main event in August this year, they drew 13,976 fans to the HP Pavilion in San Jose and 856,000 people watched them on the Showtime cable network.
She shares her nickname with her husband, Evangelista ‘Cyborg’ Santos, who also introduced her to the sport. A former handball player, Cristiane’s natural athleticism proved a valuable asset. She discovered she was a natural at combat sports and began fighting less than 18 months after first stepping into a gym.
Cyborg’s style has made MMA fans who were otherwise indifferent to women’s MMA sit up and take notice. While Gina charmed fans with her looks and athleticism, Cyborg has shocked them with her ferocity and aggressive fighting style and persuaded many that gender isn’t an issue in the cage – fighting heart and ability is all that counts.
Aggression
A typical Chute Boxe fighter, Cyborg fights with an aggressive, in-your-face style. Much like the men who faced former Chute Boxe fighters Wanderlei Silva or Shogun Rua, Cyborg’s opponents often crumble under the sheer ferocity and pressure of the attack.
Power
Santos walks around far higher than her fighting weight of 145lb, and is regarded as one of the strongest and most powerful female fighters in the world. She regularly trains with her husband (who fights at 185lb) so is used to handling opponents much bigger than her. When she gets her hands on an opponent in her weight class, she throws them around like a rag dolls.
Legs
Though she is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a competent freestyle wrestler, like most Chute Boxe team members, Santos is primarily a Muay Thai fighter. Her long legs mean she is particularly suited to throwing kicks and knees.
Career Snapshot
2005
Loses in MMA debut to Erica Paes via submission.
2005
Six months later she gets first win, against Vanessa Porto, by decision.
2006
Picks up three wins via TKO against Brazilian opponents.
2008
Makes US debut against Shayna Baszler, demolishes her for a second-round TKO win.
2009
First fight for Strikeforce. Controversially does not make weight, but wins via third round TKO.
2009
High point of career: beats Gina Carano by first-round TKO.
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