Cris Cyborg preps for latest title bout, life after fighting

Only a few more grains of sand remain in the Cristiane
“Cris Cyborg” Justino hourglass.

The Brazilian icon will square off with Paulina Cardona for the
vacant Women’s International Boxing Association super welterweight
championship this Saturday in Curitiba, Brazil. Cyborg enters the
ring with a perfect 7-0 record as a pro boxer, having stopped five
opponents by knockout. Only Cardona stands between the decorated
mixed martial artist and her first boxing title.

“This belt will be special if I win it, God willing,” Cyborg told
Sherdog.com. “It’s the belt that Laila Ali, Holly Holm
and Amanda
Serrano have held. They are legends of the sport.”

Cyborg, who turns 41 in July, has entered a period of reflection as
she closes in on the end of her combat sports race. More than two
decades have passed since she made her MMA debut.

“This whole time, I’ve always been at the top, or very near the
top,” Cyborg said. “I feel a lot of gratitude. I never stopped
training and never underestimated anyone. I never needed to put
someone else down to show who I am. I always gave my best. I’m
always dedicated to training, always believing, always improving. I
believe that I’m fighting much better today, with more technique.
My game is much improved. I’m more patient and plan better for my
fights. I believe that everyone goes through this process in their
career.

“I’m happy, although my dream wasn’t to be a fighter,” she added.
“I played handball. I wanted to live in Europe and play handball,
but God had another purpose in my life. I started fighting when I
was 19. Nowadays, starting at 19 is late, but since the sport was
just starting out, I managed to do it. To still be active when the
sport is at its peak, I’m very grateful.”

Cyborg has one fight left on her
Professional Fighters League contract. She last suited up for
the company at PFL Champions Series 4, where she laid claim to the
inaugural women’s featherweight title with a third-round rear-naked
choke submission of the previously unbeaten Sara
Collins on Dec. 13.

“I believe that this will be my last year,” Cyborg said. “Of
course, I would love for our weight class to continue. Women
frequently have a difficult time making weight, so it makes sense
to have multiple weight classes. I wouldn’t agree that there aren’t
enough women [at 145 pounds]. There are several women fighting. The
sport keeps growing. MMA should be like boxing, with several
categories for both men and women. They’re not that different. I
don’t have a say as to how promotions are run, but I believe that
women’s categories will continue to grow and that the opportunities
will be there.”

Next chapters

A former Bellator
MMA, Strikeforce,

Invicta Fighting Championships and
Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholder, Cyborg will
eventually exit the sport as one of its most accomplished figures,
male or female. She has a transition plan in place for whenever she
decides to hang up the gloves.

“I have several projects,” Cyborg said. “After I stop fighting, I
want to follow my career. I want to be a veterinarian while still
participating in the MMA world, helping athletes and putting on
seminars. Since 2016, I’ve been in the Bitcoin world. I’ll be in
Las Vegas soon as a speaker at the Bitcoin conference.”

Cyborg offers words of wisdom for all who hope to follow in her
footsteps.

“I believe that number one is to keep your humility, even if you
are champion,” she said. “When you are a champion, you will have a
target on your back. Everyone will want to beat you. Some people
will vanish when you’re not winning, so it’s good to be with those
who have been loyal since the start. You have to learn, evolve, be
humble and put God first, and without a doubt, good things will
happen in your life.”