Cris Cyborg to start family after retirement fight at PFL Tampa

Cris Cyborg will pursue motherhood after her final MMA appearance against Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa on Aug. 22.

The reigning PFL champion, who turned 41 this month, told Sherdog that starting a family has become her priority once she steps away from mixed martial arts. She has one boxing match left on her schedule for later in the year but plans to focus on pregnancy after that.

Cyborg explains decision to retire from MMA

The former UFC champion said her dedication to training remains unchanged despite her upcoming retirement. "I'll never stop training because I love competing," she said. "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."

Cyborg added that motherhood has been a long-held goal. "But I've always wanted to become a mother. Now I plan to get pregnant and begin this new chapter," she said.

The Brazilian called Vieira, a former top-three UFC contender, a fitting final opponent. Cyborg said Vieira is in her prime and brings the credentials she wanted for her last cage appearance.

Cyborg enters the PFL Tampa bout with 29 professional wins and a resume that includes titles across multiple promotions. The Aug. 22 card streams on ESPN.

Reported via:

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