Ketlen Vieira hopes PFL win over Cris Cyborg leads to ‘big names’ likes Ronda Rousey, Dakota Ditcheva

Ketlen Vieira is set to challenge 'Grand Slam' featherweight champion Cris Cyborg in her PFL debut on August 22 at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. The UFC veteran views the matchup as a career-defining opportunity and has her sights set on even bigger names down the line.

Vieira, who missed weight by 7 pounds due to health complications during her cut, remains focused on dethroning Cyborg, a legendary multi-promotion titleholder across UFC, Bellator, Invicta FC and Strikeforce. However, the Brazilian striker is already thinking beyond this contest. She expressed interest in future showdowns against Ronda Rousey and Dakota Ditcheva, noting that she has faced most of the sport's marquee bantamweight competitors but is missing bouts against those two names.

Unlike Cyborg, who is restricted to featherweight, Vieira emphasized her versatility across weight classes. She can compete at bantamweight and even featherweight, a division where she has previously fought in the UFC. Vieira noted that the anticipated MVP MMA merger could bring the 125-pound atomweight division to PFL, further expanding her options. She expressed confidence in her size and strength at 145 pounds, saying she feels "stronger and had more punching power" in that class. She fought once at featherweight in the UFC against Macy Chiasson and earned a decision victory.

Working with noted strategist André Pederneiras, Vieira plans to rely on intelligence and calculated fighting rather than just power. She emphasized that her path toward becoming champion—a lifelong goal—begins with spoiling Cyborg's plans on August 22. Though Vieira believes this may not be Cyborg's final fight, she is determined to claim the title and position herself for the marquee matchups she craves in 2027 and beyond.