Cyborg to end glittering career with Viera fightImage source, PFLImage caption, Cris Cyborg has earned 21 knockouts in her careerByPaul BattisonBBC Sport JournalistPublished18 minutes agoCris Cyborg will defend her PFL featherweight world title against Ketlen Viera in what is set to be the final MMA fight of her glittering career.The 40-year-old – widely regarded as one of the best women’s mixed martial artists of all time – will face fellow Brazilian Viera in Tampa, Florida on 22 August.A former UFC featherweight champion, Cyborg has won world titles across five promotions in an enduring 20-year career.She last fought in December, stopping Sara Collins to claim the inaugural PFL featherweight belt after the Bellator titles were rebranded, for her ninth straight win.Following victory, Cyborg mentioned she would fight once more in MMA in 2026, but did not rule out continuing to box.Writing on X, Cyborg says the fight with Viera was set up after boxing world champion Claressa Shields turned down a bout between the pair.Undisputed heavyweight champion Shields will drop down to middleweight to face WBC and WBA champion Kaye Scott on 15 August.
“This was why I’m returning to MMA instead of boxing Claressa Shields,” mentioned Cyborg.
“Since Claressa Shields has turned down my $2,000,000 offer to fight the 5-1 Kaye Scott, I might as well return to MMA and defend my PFL belt.”
Cyborg added she is “excited” for the “great challenge” Viera, 34, will provide.
Viera left the UFC this year after winning 10 of her 15 fights in the promotion.
Cyborg made her debut in 2005 and has won 29 of her 32 fights, with 21 victories coming via knockout.
