MMA legend Cris Cyborg will defend her PFL featherweight world title against fellow Brazilian Ketlen Vieira in what is expected to be the final mixed martial arts bout of her illustrious career.
The 40-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest female MMA fighters of all time, will face Vieira in Tampa, Florida, on 22 August.
A former UFC featherweight champion, Cyborg has captured world titles across five major promotions during a remarkable 20-year career. She last competed in December, defeating Sara Collins to claim the inaugural PFL featherweight championship following the rebranding of Bellator titles, extending her winning streak to nine consecutive fights.
After that victory, Cyborg revealed she planned to have one final MMA fight in 2026, although she left the door open for a continued career in boxing.
Speaking on X, Cyborg said the fight with Vieira materialised after boxing world champion Claressa Shields declined a proposed showdown between the pair. Shields is scheduled to move down to middleweight to face WBC and WBA champion Kaye Scott on 15 August.
"This is why I'm returning to MMA instead of boxing Claressa Shields," Cyborg wrote. "Since Claressa Shields turned down my $2 million offer to fight the 5-1 Kaye Scott, I might as well return to MMA and defend my PFL belt."
Cyborg said she is excited for the challenge Vieira will bring. The 34-year-old Brazilian recently departed the UFC after recording 10 wins from 15 fights in the promotion.
Since making her professional debut in 2005, Cyborg has compiled an outstanding record of 29 victories from 32 fights, with 21 wins coming by knockout.
