MMA Icon Cris Cyborg Hints at Retirement, Eyes Motherhood After PFL Victory

Cris Cyborg during a fight

Cris Cyborg, one of MMA’s most decorated champions, added another title to her storied career, claiming her fifth championship across different promotions at PFL’s “Battle of the Giants” event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 19, 2024. The 39-year-old Brazilian fighter defeated Larissa Pacheco after an intense five-round showdown, a fight that Cyborg had eagerly anticipated after a year-long hiatus due to PFL’s acquisition of Bellator MMA in late 2023.

Reflecting on her long-awaited return, Cyborg said,

“It took a long time to fight. My last time, I fought one year ago. I wanted to fight more times, for me to defend my title because I want to complete 20 years in my career.”

This latest triumph comes as Cyborg approaches her two-decade anniversary in professional MMA, a career that began in May 2005 and has since seen her rise to become one of the sport’s most dominant female fighters, amassing an impressive 28-2-1 record.

Cyborg’s PFL championship victory is a significant accomplishment, though she still holds aspirations to defend her Bellator women’s featherweight title. However, she is contemplating a shift toward personal goals, notably motherhood.

"This year is 19 and I want to go to the next chapter of my life and have a kid,” Cyborg shared, hinting that retirement could be close after defending her Bellator title.

Her latest battle in the cage carried an added layer of meaning.

“Every one is really hard for me, but this one was nice because I’m 39 years old – 39 and fighting for the title,” Cyborg said.

She regards her PFL title win as particularly special, given her age and the demands of competing at the top level. With an eight-fight win streak and titles across major MMA organizations, Cyborg has little left to prove. A possible bout with Sara Collins could be on the horizon, but with her retirement plans and personal aspirations in view, it might be one of her last fights.