Cris Cyborg, now 40, reveals 'plan is to retire as a PFL fighter'
Cyborg (28-2 MMA) has claimed a title in just about every major organization, from Strikeforce to Bellator to the UFC. She claimed the inaugural PFL Super Fights women's featherweight title by defeating Larissa Pacheco last October. The Bellator women's featherweight champion has remained active in between MMA fights by boxing, most recently finishing Precious Harris-McCray by first-round TKO in the Fight Night 3: San Jose co-headliner in May.
She is now ready to wrap up her career after building an undeniable legacy.
"The reality is this decision has literally been (there) longer," Cyborg said in an interview with James Lynch. "When I signed this current contract, we had already made the plan to finish the contract and retire, because we started the legacy tour when I fought against Larissa Pacheco. So I have two fights left, and I'm ready for the next chapter. Some fighters will never know when to end. I just turned 40 years old, I feel great, but we have to know when it's time to stop."
Cyborg has fought the who's who in MMA – including Gina Carano, Holly Holm, Cat Zingano, Pacheco, and Amanda Nunes. She was asked who her preferred opponents would be for her final two fights.
"I like to do step by step," Cyborg said. "My next fight, I believe, is going to be Sara Collins. She's undefeated, she beat Leah McCourt, she's No. 1 in Australia, she fought girls at the top at 145 pounds. I believe she's going to be next, and I like to think about the next one."
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