Historic Win in Saudi Arabia Paves the Way for Cyborg’s 20th Anniversary in Combat Sports
Cris Cyborg, one of MMA’s most iconic female athletes, continues her legacy tour, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring women worldwide. After a career-defining victory at the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Super Fights in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 39-year-old Brazilian-American fighter is set to bring her trailblazing journey to Dubai in February 2025.
Cyborg’s recent fight was historic in more ways than one. At the prestigious Mayadeen Theatre in Riyadh, she squared off against Larissa Pacheco, a two-time PFL champion on a 10-fight win streak. For Cyborg, the bout represented a battle of not just physical prowess but of defying stereotypes, as she became the first PFL Women’s Featherweight World Champion with her win. The victory, achieved by a unanimous decision of 49-46, solidified Cyborg’s legacy in combat sports and marked her first championship in the Middle East—a symbolic achievement for women’s sports in the region.
“I’m really happy to be here in Saudi Arabia. It’s a big deal — women fighting here, especially a title fight. I want to tell all the girls: you can be champions in this sport, and in life. Train hard, trust God, and you can achieve greatness,” said Cyborg, proud of the inspiration her success brings to women worldwide. In an arena where she’s witnessed great progress but also recognized a long road ahead, Cyborg stands as a powerful voice for equality and recognition for female fighters. “Equal pay is the hardest fight for female fighters. MMA is better than boxing in that regard, but there’s still growth to be made,” she added, hopeful that her journey sparks a broader audience for women’s MMA.
With championships across major promotions, including Bellator, UFC, Strikeforce, and Invicta, Cyborg joined the PFL seeking fresh challenges and a way to keep pushing her limits. Ahead of her bout with Pacheco, she embraced the role of underdog, not for lack of experience, but for her opponent’s formidable reputation. “Maybe they saw me as the underdog because she’s a PFL champion, and I’m from Bellator…Maybe it’s my age. She has seven wins by KO, and I’m just a 39-year-old. The old savage. But it’s good; I like being the underdog,” Cyborg remarked.
Their fight, a five-round epic clash, was marked by explosive exchanges of kicks, strikes, and takedowns. Despite Pacheco’s ferocity, Cyborg’s experience, agility, and strategic prowess proved decisive. “I figured out what needed to be done after a few rounds. The experience helped me a lot — you just have to be smart,” she explained after her hard-fought victory.
This triumph now paves the way for Cyborg’s next big event—defending her title in Dubai. As she celebrates her 20th year in combat sports, Cyborg is ready to continue her journey on February 2025, eager to inspire fans and aspiring athletes across the UAE and beyond. “I want to fight more and defend my title. I’m in my 19th year, heading into my 20th, so I want more fights,” she stated, signaling that her competitive drive remains as fierce as ever.
As she prepares for Dubai, Cyborg’s legacy shines brighter than ever, representing the power, resilience, and ambition that have defined her career. Each fight, she says, is a reminder of her dedication, determination, and her enduring passion to make history in the octagon and beyond.
