The final whistle is about to blow on one of the greatest careers in the history of mixed martial arts.
As she prepares to enter the boxing ring for the fourth time in just over a year next week, Cris Cyborg (28-2) has been discussing her exit strategy following a remarkable MMA career. Cyborg is set to face Karen Fernandes in a 4-round contest in Medellín, Colombia, on March 3rd, but she also has one eye on the future. She revealed she will only step into the cage for two more fights before walking away from the sport.
"We think maybe it's going to be in the fall, my next MMA fight," the 39-year-old told Fighters Only in an exclusive interview. "And I believe between this, I'm going to keep training boxing and mix in a little bit of MMA. Maybe do one boxing fight before (the) MMA fight. I like to be active. I think I have a short time left. I'm enjoying my legacy tour. I only have two fights left in MMA, and then I'll be ready for the next chapter in my life."
Cyborg has won titles in every major organization she has appeared in, including the UFC, Bellator, Invicta, and Strikeforce. Her last outing in the PFL SmartCage came in October, when she outpointed Larissa Pacheco to win the PFL Super Fights Championship.
"I have Leah McCourt and Sara Collins; she's signed with the PFL," she said when asked who she will face in her next MMA fight. "Leah McCourt was supposed to fight me for the Bellator title, but it didn't happen, so maybe it can happen in the PFL. It would be a great fight."
Cyborg Discusses Bellator Champion's Criticisms of PFL
Following the PFL's acquisition of Bellator late in 2023, many Bellator stars have come out publicly to chastise the PFL for keeping them on ice. While the likes of Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico have recently aired their grievances with the company, Cyborg insists she has never had any such issues.
"In the beginning, we had a little bit of a rough relationship because I was looking for us to talk to each other in person and see what's the plan," said the Brazilian. "They have their way that they work. I know a lot of people are upset, but the time to be upset, I've been able to have some boxing fights and keep the other dreams I have going. But for sure, I know they would like to be more active, but I'm looking forward to finishing this contract, finishing these two fights, and finishing my tour. Then, I'll move on to another chapter in my life."
"I Want To Be A World Champion In Boxing"
While her MMA career may be nearing a close, Cyborg feels she still has plenty to offer inside the squared circle.
"When I had my first fight, my goal was just to have a boxing fight because it was something I never did (before)", she said. "I did everything (else), I did Muay Thai, I did wrestling, I did Jiu-Jitsu and grappling nogi, but I haven't had the opportunity to have a boxing match in that time. It started like this, but then people started calling me (with offers) for boxing fights, it started to open doors. So I did a fight in London, I did one in Brazil and now I'm fighting in Colombia.
"I want to be a world champion in boxing. I believe I can, I've been training hard. And already people have been talking to my team from the champion of the WBC, Cecilia Brækhus to maybe book a fight between us. I'm really improving and getting better, I want to be the first athlete to be a current champion in MMA and a current champion in boxing".
