Cris Cyborg is preparing for her final MMA fights, planning to retire in 2026, while reflecting on her legacy and expressing no regrets over missed rematches or unfulfilled bouts.
Cris Cyborg is gearing up for a showdown with Sara Collins at PFL Lyon this Saturday. It’s one of the last two MMA bouts in her illustrious career.
Cyborg, a former Bellator and Strikeforce champ, plans to retire in 2026. With two fights left on her PFL contract, she’s eyeing a return to boxing before hanging up her gloves.
At 40, Cyborg remains dominant, having recently bested Larissa Pacheco. Yet, she’s ready to explore life beyond combat sports.
“My last fight with Pacheco marked the start of my legacy tour,” Cyborg shared. “Next year will be my final chapter. I turned 40 in July, and I have new dreams.”
She’s considering a final fight in Brazil and wants to dabble in boxing. “I’ve discussed this with PFL, and we’re planning my last fight,” she said.
Cyborg’s held titles in every major organization, including the UFC. Despite her competitive edge, she knows when to walk away.
Reflecting on her career, Cyborg’s record boasts victories over top names with only two losses. One was a shocking KO by Amanda Nunes.
Though she pursued a rematch with Nunes, it never happened. Cyborg remains at peace, having done all she could to make it happen.
“We fought, and that night Nunes was better,” Cyborg admitted. “I asked for a rematch, but she declined. I’ve moved on.”
Cyborg’s journey took her to Bellator and then PFL, where she’s remained undefeated for seven years. “I’ve improved my game,” she said.
She doesn’t dwell on missed fights with Ronda Rousey or Kayla Harrison. “They called me out for attention,” Cyborg explained.
Rousey, once the greatest, struggled after back-to-back losses. Cyborg thinks Rousey blames fans instead of learning from defeat.
“I hope Rousey returns with a better mindset,” Cyborg said. “You can lose, learn, and eventually win again.”
Cyborg learned from her losses and isn’t haunted by them. “Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn,” she reflected.
Fans have praised Cyborg for her resilience after the Nunes fight. “I think this is an example,” she noted.
Cyborg hopes Rousey finds peace or stages a comeback. “I don’t think she recovered yet,” Cyborg said. “But she’s young; maybe she’ll get it.”