John Martin hails Cris Cyborg, addresses potential boxing bout with Claressa Shields

Professional Fighters League CEO John Martin had nothing but praise for Cris Cyborg after her victory in Tampa, Florida.

Martin hailed Cyborg's performance against Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa and called the Brazilian superstar the most accomplished women's MMA fighter in history. Despite the fight being closely contested, Martin believes Cyborg did enough to earn the victory. He also claims a switch to boxing is possible amidst the promotion’s merger with Most Valuable Promotions.

Cris Cyborg vs. Claressa Shields in boxing is certainly a possibility with PFL-MVP merger
Martin did not hold back on his appreciation for Cyborg after her PFL win against Vieira.

“If you've never seen Cris Cyborg fight before, hopefully you can get an appreciation and an understanding of what a legend this fighter is,” Martin said in a post-fight interview. “The most accomplished women's MMA fighter in history. She had a really tough fight tonight, but for five rounds, she fought every single round really, really hard. I thought she absolutely won.”

Martin also praised Vieira for her performance despite missing weight.

“Ketlen Vieira showed up,” he said. “Very disappointing she didn't make weight, but she came in. She put up a very great fight.”

The head of PFL was then asked about Cyborg’s callout to Claressa Shields, who recently won the WBA and WBC female middleweight titles by finishing Kaye Scott. Martin says it’s certainly a possibility with the new PFL-MVP merger.

“Well, that would be fun to talk about with her,” Martin said. “I mean, this is one of the things: since we've announced the merger with MVP, we can now talk to our MMA fighters about if they want to box; the possibility exists.”

PFL CEO John Martin recaps the incredible night in Tampa 🔥

What a way to close out the PFL Summer Series!#PFLTampa presented by @visitspc | 📺LIVE NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com/MsnMX466CL— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 23, 2026