Cris Cyborg opens up about what motivates her ahead of final MMA bout

Cris Cyborg has accomplished just about everything there is in women’s mixed martial arts and she recently discussed what drives her.

Cyborg returns to action Aug. 22 to defend the Professional Fighters League women's featherweight championship against Ketlen Vieira in the main event of PFL Tampa at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa in what will reportedly be her MMA retirement fight.

Cris Cyborg reflects on her career approach before PFL Tampa
Cyborg has established herself among the sport's elite. With championships across multiple major promotions and more than two decades of competition behind her, the Brazilian has increasingly focused on the impact she can have on women's mixed martial arts.

In a video posted by the PFL, Cyborg explained one of the biggest motivations of her career: making women’s MMA exciting.

Cris Cyborg’s final MMA bout headlines PFL Tampa: Tune in on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

“A lot of people didn’t believe in girls' fights,” Cyborg said. “'Ah, girls fight terrible.' I tried to show the opposite. I wanted to do exciting fights like the guys do exciting fights. Finish the fight. This is what motivated me. What I feel now, I feel very blessed. The sport changed my life. Not just because I am the champion, but I think it shows a lot of different ways to live my life.”

▶️📺Get a closer look at the PFL Tampa Main Event set to go down on Saturday, August 22nd between PFL Women’s Featherweight World Champion @criscyborg and Ketlen Viera #PFLTampa presented by @VisitSPC | Saturday, August 22nd | 📺9PM EST on ESPN | 🎟️https://t.co/5EXXNi9twjpic.twitter.com/LIh1IqPVR5— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 15, 2026