One of the greatest female mixed martial artists in history is preparing to close the book on a legendary career. The Professional Fighters League announced Wednesday that reigning women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg will compete in her retirement fight on August 22, defending her title against former UFC contender Ketlen Vieira in the main event of PFL Tampa at Benchmark International Arena. After more than two decades competing at the highest level, Cyborg says she’s ready for one final walk to the cage.
Cris Cyborg will celebrate her 41st birthday on July 9 before making what is expected to be the final appearance of her remarkable 21-year professional career. Ironically, that career began with the only losing streak she would ever experience.
Cyborg lost her professional debut on May 17, 2005, but responded by rattling off 20 consecutive victories over the next 13 years, establishing herself as one of the most feared fighters in MMA history. Among those wins was her iconic 2009 victory over Gina Carano in Strikeforce, a fight widely credited with elevating women’s MMA to new heights.
Dominance Across Multiple Promotions
After years campaigning for the UFC to establish a women’s featherweight division, Cyborg finally made her promotional debut in 2016. She captured the vacant UFC featherweight championship by stopping Tonya Evinger before successfully defending the title against:
- Holly Holm
- Yana Santos
Her legendary UFC run came to an end at UFC 232 when she suffered a stunning first-round knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in one of the biggest upsets in women’s MMA history.
After one final UFC victory over Felicia Spencer, Cyborg departed the promotion and signed with Bellator. She immediately captured Bellator gold by stopping Julia Budd in her promotional debut.
An Unmatched Championship Resume
Since the loss to Nunes, Cyborg has once again looked nearly unbeatable. She enters her retirement bout riding a nine-fight winning streak and remains the only woman in MMA history to win major world championships in:
- UFC
- Bellator
- PFL
- Strikeforce
- Invicta FC
That unprecedented achievement has cemented her place among the greatest fighters the sport has ever produced.
Ketlen Vieira Gets Career Opportunity
Standing across the cage in Cyborg’s farewell fight will be former UFC title contender Ketlen Vieira.
The 34-year-old Brazilian was released from the UFC earlier this year despite remaining ranked in the women’s bantamweight division.
During her UFC tenure, Vieira earned notable victories over:
- Holly Holm
- Miesha Tate
- Cat Zingano
- Sara McMann
Vieira won two of her final three UFC appearances and now receives the biggest opportunity of her career as she attempts to spoil Cyborg’s farewell.
A Legacy That Will Stand the Test of Time
Few fighters male or female have accomplished what Cyborg has over the past two decades. From Strikeforce to the UFC, Bellator, and now the PFL, she has consistently defeated elite competition while helping elevate women’s MMA around the world.
When the cage door closes on August 22 in Tampa, one of the sport’s most decorated careers will officially come to an end. Whether she leaves as champion or not, Cris Cyborg’s legacy as one of the greatest female fighters of all time is already secure.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
