Cris Cyborg to retire in PFL featherweight fight Aug 22

Cris "Cyborg" Justino, a pioneer widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history, will conclude her storied career this summer. The reigning Professional Fighters League women's featherweight champion will defend her title one final time against former UFC contender Ketlen Vieira on August 22 in Tampa, Florida. The event will be held at the Benchmark International Arena.

The fight, announced on Wednesday, marks the official end of Cyborg's MMA journey, which she has referred to in recent years as a retirement tour. At 40 years old, the Brazilian legend holds the unique distinction of being the only fighter to win world championships across five major promotions: the UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, Invicta FC, and the PFL. She last competed in December, submitting Sara Collins in the third round to claim the inaugural PFL featherweight title. Cyborg enters the bout on a nine-fight winning streak, having been undefeated since her departure from the UFC in 2019.

Her opponent, fellow Brazilian Ketlen "Fenômeno" Vieira, presents a significant final challenge. Vieira, a ten-year UFC veteran, was surprisingly released by the promotion in May despite a recent...