Cris Cyborg Relishes Career Success, Contrasts Ronda Rousey’s Retirement Approach
Cris Cyborg is set to face Sara Collins in the co-main event at PFL Lyon on Saturday. This fight may mark one of the two final bouts of her illustrious career. Cyborg, a former champion in both Bellator and Strikeforce, plans to retire in 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Cris Cyborg’s Legacy in MMA
At 40 years old, Cyborg shows no signs of slowing down. She recently secured a dominant decision victory over multi-time PFL champion Larissa Pacheco. Despite her continued competitiveness, Cyborg acknowledges that she is nearing the end of her fighting career. She aims to transition to new ventures outside of combat sports.
“With two fights left on my current contract, I’m preparing for retirement,” Cyborg stated. “Next year, I want to complete my legacy tour and pursue other dreams, such as becoming a veterinarian.”
Plans for Retirement and Future Aspirations
- Completion of her PFL contract with two remaining fights.
- Possibility of boxing engagements in the final year of her career.
- Aiming for a farewell fight in Brazil.
Throughout her career, Cyborg has captured titles across major promotions, including the UFC. With only two losses—one in her first professional fight and another to Amanda Nunes—Cyborg has solidified her role as a pioneer in women’s MMA.
Cyborg vs. Ronda Rousey: A Different Narrative
While discussing her career, Cyborg reflected on her experiences with other fighters, particularly Ronda Rousey. She mentioned that Rousey was once regarded as the top female fighter until suffering back-to-back losses, which led to a premature retirement. Cyborg believes Rousey’s struggles may stem from her inability to accept defeat.
“Ronda is still upset because she lost the fights and then she quit,” Cyborg said. “When you blame others for your failures, you will not learn.”
The Importance of Resilience
Cyborg emphasizes that setbacks should teach valuable lessons rather than dictate a fighter’s legacy. She noted, “In MMA, you either win or learn. I’ve lost twice, but I always come back stronger.” This resilience has helped her build a loyal fan base, many of whom were inspired by her ability to rebound from loss.
As Cyborg prepares for her final fights, she remains focused on what lies ahead rather than what could have been. Her approach contrasts with Rousey’s, highlighting the diverse paths athletes take in handling success and failure.
Conclusion
As Cris Cyborg gears up for the end of her fighting career, she embodies the spirit of perseverance. Her legacy in the sport continues to influence aspiring fighters, teaching them that both victories and defeats can contribute to growth. Fans will continue to support her as she approaches retirement with hope for new beginnings beyond the ring.
