Cris Cyborg, one of the greatest women’s mixed martial artists of all time, has confirmed she plans to retire from MMA in 2026 to pursue “different dreams,” including a career as a veterinarian. The 40-year-old Brazilian fighter has enjoyed a glittering 20-year career across multiple promotions, winning world titles and thrilling fans with her aggressive knockout style.

Career Highlights

Since making her professional debut in 2005, Cyborg has amassed an extraordinary record of 28 wins from 31 fights, including 21 knockouts, making her one of the most feared strikers in women’s MMA history. She has claimed championships in UFC, Strikeforce, Invicta FC, Bellator, and now the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Cyborg’s only career defeats came against top-tier opponents, most notably Amanda Nunes, a rivalry that remains one of the most memorable in women’s MMA. Alongside her MMA accomplishments, she has also boxed professionally, recording five wins in the sport and planning to add to that tally before retiring.

Upcoming Fights and Legacy Tour

Cyborg is set to fight Sara Collins in Lyon on Saturday for the PFL women’s featherweight title. She describes this bout as the penultimate fight of her MMA career, part of what she calls her “legacy tour.”

“My last fight, I said to everybody that I’m starting my legacy tour because I have two fights left on my contract and I’m preparing myself to retire and close this chapter,” Cyborg told MMA Fighting.

She added:

“For me, next year is going to be the last year for everything. In July I turned 40, so next year I’m going to be 41. I don’t have any bad injuries in my career. I’m very blessed about this. I never did one surgery from one injury, so thank you God.”

Plans Beyond MMA

Cyborg owns a large ranch in Brazil and intends to pursue a degree from a veterinary school after retiring.

“Next year is going to be 21 years doing the same thing every day and I have different dreams. Among the dreams, I want to be a vet and I still want to do this,” she said.

Cyborg’s retirement marks the end of a dominant era in women’s MMA, where she has consistently been a top contender in every promotion she’s fought in, bringing excitement, skill, and knockout power to each bout.

Historical Achievements

• UFC Featherweight Champion: Defeated Tonya Evinger in 2017, defended twice before losing to Amanda Nunes.
• Strikeforce, Invicta FC, Bellator Champion: Multiple defenses across these promotions.
• PFL Featherweight Title: Set to fight for her fifth world championship in a newly rebranded promotion following PFL’s acquisition of Bellator in 2023.
• Knockout Power: 21 of 28 MMA wins by KO.
• Boxing Career: Five professional victories, with plans to add more before retirement.

Cyborg has also expressed interest in finishing her career with a few boxing matches, alongside her final MMA fights, ensuring a well-rounded and unforgettable farewell tour for fans.

“I’ve already talked with PFL so we’ve planned for my last fight. We talked a little bit about maybe being in Brazil,” she said. “Then I want to use the opportunity next year to do some boxing fights, too. So my last year, I believe I’ve worked with my team, this will be the last year.”

Cyborg’s decision underscores her focus on long-term goals beyond fighting, highlighting her ambition to make an impact both inside and outside the ring. Fans and fellow fighters alike will celebrate her remarkable career and lasting legacy in MMA and combat sports.