Cris Cyborg faces former top UFC bantamweight contender Ketlen Viera this Saturday, Aug. 22, in what many believe could be her final fight. Cyborg, however, remains non-committal on the possibility of retiring, emphasizing that it marks the end of her current PFL contract, not necessarily her career.
Reflections on Career and Fight
In an interview, Cyborg shared that every recent fight has felt like it could be her last. At 41, she believes she performs better now than at 21, expressing honor in fighting Viera. Despite many labeling this as her farewell, Cyborg stressed her enjoyment of the sport.
Facing Viera, a prominent figure in the sport, is significant for Cyborg. Viera is known for battling many legends and ranks in the top 10 of her UFC division. Cyborg expressed enthusiasm about the matchup, recognizing it as a challenging fight.
Women’s MMA Journey
When I started training, there weren’t a lot of girls fighting at that time. But I went to one fight in Brazil, watched live two girls fighting. Then I said, ‘Maybe I can do this.’
Cyborg reminisces about the early days of her career when few women participated in MMA. She found inspiration in Lucia Rijker, a former Dutch kickboxing champion, viewing other sports due to a lack of female fighters. Men like Fedor Emelianenko and Wanderlei Silva served as role models, helping her envision exciting fights for women.
She aspired to bring parity, with women fighting at the same level as men, contributing significantly to the growth of women’s MMA.
Future Retirement Plans
Post-retirement, Cyborg plans to pursue veterinary school. Her passion for being around and helping animals drives this decision. The dedication she’s shown to MMA would transition to another dream, aligning with her interests since childhood.
I believe that you have to love what you do. And I love what I do. I started training in the sport when I was 12 years old. I’m 41, and I love every single day. It’s no sacrifice. I wake up in the morning and enjoy every single moment.
The upcoming fight against Viera will occur in Tampa Bay, Florida, on Aug. 22. For tickets and updates on Cris Cyborg, more information is available online.