After a one-sided masterclass in Tampa, Cris Cyborg extends her PFL featherweight reign and issues new challenges

Cris Cyborg retained her PFL featherweight title by dominating Ketlen Vieira via unanimous decision in Tampa, despite her opponent’s title ineligibility. The Brazilian, unbeaten for nearly eight years, issued challenges to Claressa Shields and Kayla Harrison, while also praising Gadzhi Rabadanov’s debut MMA performance.

To remember:

Cris Cyborg retains her PFL featherweight title after a dominant unanimous decision win over Ketlen Vieira.
The Brazilian, unbeaten for nearly eight years, challenges Claressa Shields at 160 pounds and Kayla Harrison in MMA.
Gadzhi Rabadanov impresses in his MMA debut with a first-round TKO against Tracy Reeder.

Unbelievable! Cris Cyborg has once again proven she remains the undisputed queen of MMA featherweights. In a spectacular fight in Tampa, the Brazilian crushed Ketlen Vieira, despite her opponent’s ineligibility for missing weight. Cyborg, unbeaten for nearly eight years, weathered Vieira’s repeated assaults to win by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 49-46). A grueling battle where both fighters exchanged 308 strikes over five rounds.

A Reign That Continues and New Challenges Issued

But Cyborg didn’t stop at winning the fight. In a bold move, she directly challenged Claressa Shields, proposing a boxing match at 160 pounds. If it materializes, it promises to be historic. She also called out Kayla Harrison, who was in attendance, accusing her of dodging their potential MMA showdown. "Take care of your neck and challenge Amanda Nunes," she fired back with her usual bluntness.

Rabadanov Shines in Debut

On the men’s side, Gadzhi Rabadanov confirmed his contender status by securing a first-round TKO against last-minute replacement Tracy Reeder. The former PFL tournament winner showcased devastating technique, controlling his opponent on the ground before finishing the fight. A performance that solidifies his potential for future PFL tournaments.

With this latest victory, Cris Cyborg reaffirms her dominance in the featherweight division and continues to make headlines outside the cage. Between boxing and MMA challenges, the Brazilian shows no shortage of ambition. As for Rabadanov, he establishes himself as one of the new faces to watch in the lightweight landscape. The future looks thrilling for PFL!

Editor's Opinion

By Nakmen

Ah, Cyborg in full "queen of the featherweights" mode again, with 308 strikes over five rounds—the kind of fight that feels like a Rocky boxing match but with more technique. Vieira’s ineligibility is a bit like Batman getting a head start because his enemy forgot his mask… But hey, she won, end of story. Her challenge to Claressa Shields in boxing? Pure spectacle in the making, like a female OSS 117 but with way more skill. And her jab at Kayla Harrison, as direct as ever, like she’s saying: "Listen, I’m here—are you scared of me?" Respect for the honesty. On the men’s side, Rabadanov was the revelation of the night—a first-round TKO, pure Jurassic Park but cleaner: he dominates and finishes strong. This guy has the potential to explode, like a dinosaur hatching from its egg.

Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen