Cyborg Reveals What Drives Her Before Final Fight

Cris Cyborg says her mission to prove women could deliver fights as thrilling as men has been the driving force of a career that ends Aug. 22 at PFL Tampa.

The Brazilian champion defends her Professional Fighters League featherweight title against Ketlen Vieira at Benchmark International Arena in what is reportedly her MMA retirement fight, per Sherdog. Cyborg has collected championships across every major women's promotion over two decades of competition.

Cyborg On Proving Women's MMA Could Deliver

In a video posted by the PFL, Cyborg addressed the skepticism she faced early in her career. "A lot of people didn't believe in girls' fights," she said. "'Ah, girls fight terrible.' I tried to show the opposite. I wanted to do exciting fights like the guys do exciting fights. Finish the fight. This is what motivated me."

The 41-year-old reflected on how mixed martial arts reshaped her path beyond the cage. "What I feel now, I feel very blessed," she said. "The sport changed my life. Not just because I am the champion, but I think it shows a lot of different ways to live my life."

The PFL Tampa main event airs Saturday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Cris Cyborg opens up about what motivates her ahead of final MMA bout