Cris Cyborg announces next chapter after MMA retirement: starting a family

Cris Cyborg has announced plans to start a family after her final MMA fight, marking a deeply personal next chapter for the legendary fighter. The reigning PFL champion, who turned 41 on July 9, will defend her title against Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa on August 22, then face one final boxing match before stepping away from competition. Despite her retirement from MMA, Cyborg emphasized that training and competing remain central to her identity after nearly three decades in combat sports. "I'll never stop training because I love competing," she said to Sherdog. "I've been training since I was 12 years old. I started fighting professionally at 19. This healthy lifestyle has allowed me to reach 41 years old in great health and still performing at an elite level." Her decision to retire, however, is driven by a lifelong personal goal. "But I've always wanted to become a mother. Now I plan to get pregnant and begin this new chapter," Cyborg explained. She expressed satisfaction with her final opponent, Brazilian contender Vieira, a former UFC-ranked fighter whom the promotion did not re-sign. "I believe Ketlen is in her prime," Cyborg said. "Just a few months ago, she was ranked in the top three, so I'm happy to have a ranked and highly credible opponent for my final fight." A dominant force in women's MMA history, Cyborg will aim to cap her career with a 30th professional victory before pursuing motherhood.