At PFL Tampa, Cris Cyborg secured another victory to further cement her iconic legacy, though uncertainty remains regarding whether this marks her final appearance in mixed martial arts.
Cyborg overcame former UFC competitor Ketlen Vieira, who missed the weight requirement by seven pounds ahead of their Saturday clash. Originally scheduled as a battle for the PFL Women’s Featherweight Title, the contest was changed to a non-title match because of Vieira’s failure on the scales. This triumph marks Cyborg’s tenth consecutive win, continuing an undefeated streak that dates back to her late 2018 first-round knockout defeat against Amanda Nunes.
As the PFL navigates significant transitions following its merger with Most Valuable Promotions, Cyborg is adopting a wait-and-see attitude. Though stepping away from the sport is still a distinct possibility, she explained to media members at the post-fight press conference in Tampa that she intends to watch how things play out before finalizing her next steps (via MMAJunkie).
“I’d like to take some time off and see how things develop,” Cyborg remarked. “Throughout my 21 years of training and everything I’ve experienced, it has always been about learning. I even picked up new lessons during tonight’s matchup.
“For over two decades, I’ve remained at the pinnacle, headlining events and fighting for championships. I feel incredibly blessed. I look forward to what lies ahead. While I am still active in the cage, I have numerous aspirations for my life beyond fighting at 41. Right now, being 41 feels just like being 21 again.”
While Cyborg is unable to provide a concrete resolution right now, she made it clear that age is just a number to her, feeling as youthful as ever at 41.
“I am unsure if I will step into the cage ever again,” Cyborg admitted. “I have reached 41 years of age… My goal was to reach 30 professional wins, an achievement no other woman in this sport has accomplished. I am thrilled to have set yet another milestone.”
Should Cris Cyborg call time on her legendary martial arts journey, or should she continue her dominant run outside of the UFC? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
This piece originally debuted on BJPENN.COM
