Cyborg Reverses Retirement Over WMMA Division Gap

Cris Cyborg has walked back her retirement decision from earlier this year, saying she cannot leave MMA while women's featherweight divisions remain absent from major promotions.

The former UFC champion defeated Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision at PFL Tampa in what was billed as her farewell fight. Cyborg moved to 30-2-1 in that bout and appeared set to close out a decorated career. But in a recent social media post reported by BJPenn.com, she announced she would continue fighting.

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Cyborg Cites Lack Of Women's 145-Pound Divisions

"I'm not ready to retire...Not yet," Cyborg wrote. "If I walked away today, there would be no major MMA promotion with a women's 145 lb division. That's unacceptable."

She compared the state of women's MMA to boxing, where multiple weight classes provide more career options. Cyborg added that her legacy has always been about creating opportunities for other female fighters beyond her own titles and records.

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The Brazilian could play a role in Most Valuable Promotions' planned MMA event in 2027. MVP merged with the PFL earlier this year and is expected to stage several marquee cards. A long-awaited showdown with Ronda Rousey remains a possibility after Rousey defeated Gina Carano at MVP's inaugural MMA event.

Cyborg also offered to save UFC 332 with an Amanda Nunes rematch before that card was finalized, and turned down an open invitation from Conor McGregor to compete in Bare Knuckle FC.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino reverses retirement due to ‘unacceptable’ WMMA state