Cris Cyborg will close her MMA career with one final championship fight
One of the most dominant careers in women’s MMA now has an ending date. Cris Cyborg will face Ketlen Vieira in her retirement fight on August 22, with Cyborg’s women’s featherweight championship on the line in the main event of PFL Tampa.
The announcement gives Cyborg the kind of farewell few fighters receive: a title defense, a major opponent and a full event built around the final appearance of a genuine MMA pioneer. At 41, she will enter the cage knowing that this is not the start of another run. It is the last chapter of a career that began more than two decades ago.
August 22nd sees the finale of the career of Cris Cyborg at #PFLTampa
— The Scrap (@TheScrapNews) June 25, 2026
Cyborg vs. Vieira for the PFL Featherweight title will be Cris Cyborg’s retirement bout. pic.twitter.com/Fic50Fiu3a
A career that stretched across every major era of women’s MMA
Cyborg made her professional debut in 2005 and lost her first fight. She then went unbeaten across her next 21 appearances, becoming one of the most intimidating athletes the sport had seen. Her rise included major victories over Gina Carano, Holly Holm and Tonya Evinger, with her pressure, physical strength and finishing power making her a nightmare matchup for an entire generation.
She became the first women’s featherweight champion in Strikeforce, later captured the Invicta FC featherweight title and eventually added UFC gold in 2017. Cyborg successfully defended that championship twice before losing to Amanda Nunes, one of only two fighters to defeat her during her professional MMA career.
Cyborg continued collecting championships after leaving the UFC
The loss to Nunes did not bring Cyborg’s run at the top to an end. She moved to Bellator, won its women’s featherweight championship and repeatedly defended the belt. When Bellator’s roster became part of the wider PFL structure, Cyborg remained one of the promotion’s most recognizable champions.
That history is what Vieira will be walking into. This is not simply a retirement ceremony with gloves. Vieira has the opportunity to spoil the farewell, take the title and become the final opponent attached to Cyborg’s record. Cyborg, meanwhile, gets one last chance to remind fans why she spent so long as the most feared woman in the sport.
Cris Cyborg retirement fight FAQ
When is Cris Cyborg’s retirement fight?
Cris Cyborg is scheduled to fight Ketlen Vieira on August 22 at PFL Tampa.
Is Cris Cyborg vs Ketlen Vieira a title fight?
Yes. Cyborg will defend her women’s featherweight championship against Vieira in the main event.
Why is Cris Cyborg considered one of the greatest female MMA fighters?
Cyborg won championships in Strikeforce, the UFC, Bellator and PFL, while defeating several of the biggest names in women’s MMA.
Who are the biggest fighters Cris Cyborg defeated?
Her most famous victories include wins over Gina Carano, Holly Holm and Tonya Evinger.
Who defeated Cris Cyborg in the UFC?
Amanda Nunes knocked out Cyborg in 2018, ending her UFC featherweight championship reign.
How long has Cris Cyborg been fighting professionally?
Cyborg began her professional MMA career in May 2005, meaning her retirement fight will come more than 21 years after her debut.
Could Ketlen Vieira spoil Cris Cyborg’s retirement fight?
Yes. Ketlen Vieira is not entering the fight simply to participate in Cyborg’s farewell. She will have the chance to win the featherweight title and hand Cyborg the final loss of her career.
