Cris Cyborg to Defend PFL Featherweight Title in Retirement Bout
MMA legend Cris Cyborg will conclude her professional fighting career on August 22, 2025, when she defends her Professional Fighters League (PFL) featherweight championship against Ketlen Vieira. The event, which serves as the final bout of Cyborg’s storied career, is scheduled to take place at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla.
What to Expect from Cyborg’s Final Fight
Cris Cyborg, 40, enters the cage seeking her 30th career victory. According to her official Instagram announcement, she aims to solidify her legacy as the only female fighter in MMA history to reach the 30-win milestone. Cyborg secured the PFL featherweight crown on December 13, 2024, by defeating Sara Collins in Decines-Charpieu, France. Her professional record stands at 29-2-0, with one no-contest, including a successful 21-2-0 run in the UFC and a 2-0-0 start in the PFL.
The PFL Debut of Ketlen Vieira
Ketlen Vieira, 34, will make her PFL debut against the champion. Vieira, who holds a career record of 16-5-0, previously competed exclusively in the UFC. Her transition to the PFL was confirmed via her official social media channels on June 24, 2025. Vieira’s most recent performance was a unanimous decision victory over Jacqueline Cavalcanti on May 16, 2025, in Las Vegas.
Comparison of Fighter Records
| Fighter | Career Record | Major Promotion Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Cris Cyborg | 29-2-0 (1 NC) | UFC, PFL, Strikeforce, Bellator |
| Ketlen Vieira | 16-5-0 | UFC, PFL |
Why This Matchup Matters
This bout represents a significant cross-promotional shift for the women’s featherweight division. While Cyborg has dominated multiple organizations throughout her career, Vieira brings a decade of high-level experience from the UFC’s bantamweight and featherweight ranks. For the PFL, the event serves as a high-profile showcase, pitting their established champion against a veteran contender looking to make an immediate impact in her new promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the fight being held? The event is hosted at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla.
- Is this Cris Cyborg’s final fight? Yes, the athlete has publicly declared this to be her retirement bout.
- How many wins does Cyborg have? She enters the fight with 29 career victories and is pursuing her 30th win.
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