Cyborg reveals plan to start a family after retirement fight against Vieira at PFL Tampa

Cris Cyborg will step away from MMA after facing Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa on August 22, the former UFC and reigning PFL champion confirmed, revealing that starting a family is the driving force behind her decision to retire at 41.

Speaking to Sherdog’s Marcelo Alonso ahead of what will be her farewell MMA appearance, Cyborg was candid about the personal milestone she is chasing once the fight is over. “I’ve always wanted to become a mother,” she said. “Now I plan to get pregnant and begin this new chapter.”

The Brazilian, who turned 41 on July 9, was careful to distinguish retirement from MMA from stepping away from competition entirely. She confirmed a boxing bout is already booked for later this year and made clear that training remains a permanent fixture in her life. “I’ll never stop training because I love competing,” she said. “I’ve been training since I was 12 years old. I started fighting professionally at 19. This healthy lifestyle has allowed me to reach 41 years old in great health and still performing at an elite level. It’s become part of who I am, and I won’t change that.”

Cyborg also expressed satisfaction with the choice of opponent for her send-off. Vieira, a fellow Brazilian, was recently ranked inside the top three at her weight class before the UFC chose not to re-sign her — a decision that ultimately brought her to PFL and into the main event of Cyborg’s farewell. “I believe Ketlen is in her prime,” Cyborg said. “Just a few months ago, she was ranked in the top three, so I’m happy to have a ranked and highly credible opponent for my final fight.”

Cyborg enters the bout with 29 professional victories and a résumé that spans the UFC, Bellator, and PFL, cementing her status as one of the most decorated female fighters in the sport’s history. A win on August 22 would give her a 30th professional victory to close out her MMA chapter before shifting focus to motherhood.