Few female fighters rival Amanda Nunes` status as the greatest of all time (GOAT), with Cris Cyborg and Valentina Shevchenko being among them.
Cris Cyborg is recognized as an MMA `Grand Slam` champion, having secured world titles in major promotions including UFC, PFL, Bellator, Strikeforce, and Invicta. The renowned featherweight recently claimed the PFL title by defeating Larissa Pacheco in October, notably the only fighter to have beaten Kayla Harrison.
Over her long 31-fight career, featuring bouts against notable opponents like Gina Carano, Holly Holm, and Marloes Coenen, Cyborg`s only defeat in the past 19 years came against the formidable Amanda Nunes. That highly anticipated clash at UFC 232 ended in a 51-second TKO loss for Cyborg, marking one of the most significant events in women`s MMA history.
While Cyborg is approaching her MMA retirement with just two fights remaining, the recently retired Amanda Nunes is reportedly considering a return to the UFC after a two-year hiatus.
Cris Cyborg Believes Amanda Nunes Still Possesses the `Fire` for a UFC Return
Nunes announced her retirement in June 2023 after successfully defending her title for the 11th time against Irene Aldana at UFC 289.
However, just last month, Nunes confirmed plans to end her retirement and face the victor of the upcoming UFC 316 bantamweight title bout between her former opponent Julianna Peña and her former teammate Kayla Harrison.
Commenting on the news, Cyborg stated, “I saw she`s saying that she`s gonna come back and maybe fight between Peña and Kayla.”
She added, “[When] you`re a fighter, you always want to fight, you know?”
Cyborg expressed her belief, saying, “I believe she still has the fire in her heart [to] come back. Let`s see what`s gonna be her next exciting fight.”
Turning to her own career, the 39-year-old veteran Cyborg mentioned she has two PFL fights remaining before retiring from MMA, with aspirations of winning a boxing title in the future. This weekend, Cyborg is scheduled to compete in a boxing match at Fight Night San Jose against Precious Harris-McCray, who holds a 4-1 record.
Cris Cyborg Analyzes UFC 316 Bout: `Julianna Peña Has Everything to Beat Kayla Harrison`
Kayla Harrison, a former PFL champion whom Cyborg claims avoided fighting her after joining the UFC, is set to challenge champion Julianna Peña at UFC 316 on June 7th.
Peña`s last fight was a controversial split decision win against Raquel Pennington, which allowed her to regain the title she previously lost to Nunes in a one-sided rematch at UFC 277. Known for her toughness, Peña holds the distinction of being the only female fighter to defeat Nunes in the past ten years.
In contrast, Harrison is a decorated athlete, being a two-time Olympic Judo Gold Medalist and a two-time PFL lightweight champion. The fight will require her to make the 135 lbs bantamweight limit, a weight class she has not competed in before.
Predicting the outcome of Peña vs. Harrison, Cyborg commented, “This fight is gonna finish, like quick.”
“I think Julianna Peña has everything to beat Kayla.”
“She`ll defend the takedown. With judo people, you can take the back easier. So let`s see [if] Julianna has the best plan for her fight.”
Cyborg added, regarding Peña`s finishing ability, “I don`t think she`s gonna finish one punch.”
Elaborating on the potential finish, she said, “You don`t see the danger like this between them. But I believe they`re both able to maybe finish by submission, but I believe it`s going to be a great fight. Five rounds is gonna be a little war there.”
She concluded, “Let`s see who has the best cardio [and] who`s gonna be ready mentally. I think it`s very important.”
