Cris Cyborg aims to achieve unprecedented level of greatness by holding major MMA, boxing title simultaneously

Cris Cyborg has held every major MMA promotion’s championship gold, so she’s set her sights on an accolade that would extend across multiple combat sports.

A former UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce, and Invicta FC champion, and current PFL champion, Cyborg (2-0) has made it known that she plans to compete twice more in MMA before she steps away from the cage.

While a timeline is unclear as to when her final two fights will take place or who they will be against, Cyborg returns Monday for a boxing bout vs. Karen Fernandez (1-2) in Colombia.

Cyborg doesn’t view boxing as a side mission. She views it as an avenue to achieve unprecedented combat sports greatness.

“I’m excited because between I can do some boxing fights,” Cyborg said. “I’m looking forward to it. … The people from WBC have been talking to my team for a fight for the world title vs. Cecilia Braekhus. I’m very happy for this opportunity. One of my goals before I retire, I’d like to continue to be champion in MMA and I believe be the first athlete in the world to be a current champion in MMA and boxing. This is my goal. I’ve been working hard for this, and I have the opportunity in the next two years to do this.”

PFL has yet to announce any fights outside of their 2025 tournament format. Though the promotion has indicated it will launch its Champion Series events in July, Cyborg said her next MMA bout will likely come in the fall.

“The plans for me are that I’m doing this next boxing fight,” Cyborg said. “I believe I have two fights on my contract with PFL. We started already with (Larissa) Pacheco on the legacy. This means I have two more fights, then I’m done with this chapter. I believe I’m probably going to fight MMA in the fall. After this fight, I’m going to continue training and keep ready for the next one.”

“… I never choose my opponents or think who is going to be ready for me next. I’m going to be ready to defend my title for the first time from PFL. … I believe the two next fights are going to be great fights. I think if we’re making the biggest fights, it’s interest from the fan. They know I can make a big fight and people love to watch my fights. Right now, they have a lot of girls there. I believe they could make a nice strategy for great fights for the last two.”

Cyborg will turn 40 in July. She made her professional MMA debut in May 2005, meaning the 20-year anniversary of her debut is less than three months.