A legendary figure in mixed martial arts, with an already impressive career spanning the UFC and Bellator, is now making significant strides in the world of boxing.
Despite competing in MMA less frequently in recent years (only once annually), Cris Cyborg continues to perform at an elite level, demonstrated by her victory over Larissa Pacheco last October.
While her MMA appearances have become less frequent as her `legacy tour` seemingly approaches its conclusion, Cyborg remains active by competing in boxing.
The former UFC champion has long expressed a desire to fight Claressa Shields. Shields, who had a brief period competing in PFL, recently stated she will not be returning to mixed martial arts.
Regardless of whether a potential `super fight` materializes in the future, the 39-year-old Brazilian fighter`s recent boxing victory has elevated her into the top echelon of her weight division.
Cris Cyborg Climbs into BoxRec`s Super Welterweight Top 10 After Knockout
Cris Cyborg has officially broken into BoxRec`s top 10 world rankings for the super welterweight category, a result of her most recent triumph.
Her undefeated boxing record was maintained on May 17 when she secured a stoppage victory over Precious Harris-McCray at the Tech CU Arena in San Jose, California.
While various sources list slightly different professional boxing records for her, BoxRec currently records the PFL Super Fights featherweight champion`s record as 5-0, including four wins by knockout.
BoxRec places Cyborg at number 9, notable as she has fewer professional boxing bouts listed than any other fighter within this top bracket.
At the top of these rankings is Cecilia Brækhus, aged 43, who is reportedly planning her final fight to conclude a distinguished career.
Last August, Brækhus claimed the vacant interim WBC super welterweight title by defeating the number 8 contender, Maricela Cornejo. The year prior, she fought to a draw with Terri Harper in a contest that involved the WBA and WBO belts.
Cris Cyborg Hints at Probable Opponent for Next PFL Bout
Speaking in a recent exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Cris Cyborg indicated that the undefeated Sara Collins is the probable opponent for her upcoming fight in PFL.
She quoted: “I believe she`s gonna be next. I`m excited. I like to think about the next fight in my line. Probably after this [boxing] fight, I`m gonna have the announcement for my next MMA fight.”
At the Bellator Champions Series event in London, England, last September, Collins submitted Leah McCourt, a fighter Cyborg had previously expressed interest in facing.
The Australian fighter also holds a victory over Sinead Kavanagh of Ireland, who challenged Cyborg for the Bellator featherweight title in November 2021. In that fight, Cyborg successfully defended her belt with a first-round stoppage.
Gareth Fenton 
Percy Harlow