Cris Cyborg: PFL star will end illustrious career against Caitlin Vieira

Cris Cyborg will defend her PFL featherweight world title against Caitlin Vieira in what is set to be the final MMA fight of her illustrious career.

The 40-year-old – considered one of the greatest women’s mixed martial artists of all time – will face fellow Brazilian Vieira on August 22 in Tampa, Florida.

A former UFC featherweight champion, Cyborg has won world titles in five promotions over a 20-year career.

She last fought in December, stopping Sara Collins to claim the inaugural PFL featherweight belt after rebranding the Bellator title for her ninth straight win.

After the win, Cyborg said she would fight one more time in MMA in 2026, but didn’t rule out continuing to box.

Writing in X, Cyborg said the fight with Vieira began after boxing world champion Claressa Shields turned down a fight between the pair.

Shields is the undisputed heavyweight champion Will drop down to middleweight Will face WBC and WBA champion Kaye Scott on August 15.

“That’s why I’m going back to MMA instead of Claressa Shields boxing,” Cyborg said.

“Since Claressa Shields turned down my $2,000,000 offer to fight 5-1 Kaye Scott, I can go back to MMA and defend my PFL belt.”

Cyborg added that he is “excited” for the “great challenge” Vieira, 34, will provide.

Vieira left the UFC this year after winning 10 of his 15 fights in the promotion.

Cyborg made her debut in 2005 and has won 29 of her 32 fights, with 21 coming via knockout.