Misfits Boxing Targets Cris Cyborg for Clash With Jade Jones

PFL Tampa Main Event and Career Longevity

The reigning Professional Fighters League women’s featherweight champion, Cris Cyborg, enters the cage at PFL Tampa on Saturday to face Ketlen Vieira at Benchmark International Arena. Cyborg holds a 29-2 professional MMA record and enters the bout following a third-round submission win over Sara Collins in December in Lyon, France. Vieira weighed in seven pounds heavy on Friday, meaning the PFL featherweight title is no longer on the line for the challenger, though Cyborg can still lose the belt if defeated. Cyborg’s upcoming bout with Vieira could mark her final appearance in mixed martial arts, though the 41-year-old fighter has not explicitly confirmed her retirement. When Cyborg steps into the cage, she will extend her record of 14 world-title fights in MMA history, alongside her record 21 knockouts. Reflecting on her career, Cyborg said: When you are champion for a long time you have to be humble because sometimes you think you’re a world champion who knows everything. She added: I always step in the cage and gym open to learn. I’m a better fighter today at 41 than 21.

Boxing Success and Misfits Boxing Plans

Alongside her MMA career, Cyborg has established a 7-0 record in professional boxing since 2022, securing the vacant WIBA light middleweight title by defeating Paulina Cardona. This dual-sport achievement makes her the first fighter to hold MMA and boxing titles simultaneously. That boxing footprint has attracted attention from promotional executives looking to secure her services once her MMA obligations conclude. Misfits Boxing co-president Mams Taylor outlined plans to bring Cyborg into his organization for a high-profile crossover fight against Jade Jones, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in taekwondo who holds an undefeated 2-0 record under the Misfits banner. Jones is scheduled to return to the ring on September 12 to face Sheena Bathory for the inaugural MFB women’s super middleweight title. Speaking to talkSPORT, Taylor detailed his timeline for the matchup: So I’ve been saying if she (Jones) does win and she stays on this trajectory, I want her fighting Cyborg by the end of the year. Taylor added: Or maybe at the start of 2027, to be honest whenever it is feasible. But I would like that to happen. And I think she’s fully capable. And then look, this is for the 135 pounds title, she becomes champion, defends it a few times successfully, I think she’ll be more than ready for professional boxing.

Future Ambitions Beyond Combat Sports

While promoters plot her boxing future, Cyborg has also indicated interests away from the combat sports arena entirely. The Brazilian champion revealed a long-term passion for animal care and a desire to train as a veterinary surgeon. This is one dream when I was a young kid, and I love animals, I love to be around animals. I don’t just do this because I want to be famous or money, Cyborg said, noting that she cares for numerous pets including cows, horses, pigs, dogs, cats, fish, and birds.