Cris Cyborg Outlines Her Retirement Plan

Cyborg was desperate to make the biggest fights once the PFL acquired Bellator. This happened after her Bellator 300 victory over Cat Zingano, but Cyborg did not get her wishes. She had been chasing the Kayla Harrison fight. However, Harrison left the PFL to sign with the UFC. Harrison has since then become the UFC Bantamweight Champion after beating Julianna Pena at UFC 316. The Cyborg-Harrison fight is arguably one of the biggest fights to be made, but the differing promotions have made that tough to make. 

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Cyborg could turn her attention to Sara Collins. Collins is currently undefeated with a 6-0 record. She has three wins by submission, while the other three were on the scorecards. Collins’ most recent win came on September 14, 2024, where she submitted Leah McCourt in the first round via rear-naked choke at a Bellator Champions Series. 

While her MMA career may come to an end, Cyborg could continue in boxing. Cyborg has stayed active and undefeated in boxing, boasting a 7-0 record after stopping Kelsey Wickstrum Harris-McCray in her last bout. She has expressed an interest in facing Holly Holm after the latter’s boxing win over Yolanda Vega last month. Either way, Cyborg’s plan is clear.  

“The reality is this decision has literally been (there) longer. 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. I like to do step by step. 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,” Cyborg said