45 Facts About Cris Cyborg

Cris Cyborg: A Journey from Handball to MMA Legend

Cris Cyborg, born Cristiane Justino Venâncio, is a name that resonates with power and perseverance in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Her journey from a young handball player in Brazil to a Grand Slam Champion in MMA is nothing short of inspiring. Here are 45 fascinating facts about this incredible athlete.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on July 9, 1985, in Curitiba, Brazil, Cyborg faced early challenges, including her father's alcoholism and her parents' divorce.

2. Handball Beginnings: At 12, she excelled in handball, playing at a national level in Brazil, which earned her athletic scholarships to private universities.

3. Discovery by Rudimar Fedrigo: Her transition to MMA began when Rudimar Fedrigo, a trainer from Chute Boxe Academy, noticed her potential and encouraged her to fight.

4. Professional MMA Debut: At 19, she made her professional debut on May 17, 2005, against Erica Paes, losing via submission in the first round.

5. First MMA Victory: She secured her first win against Vanessa Porto by unanimous decision, followed by three first-round TKO victories in Brazil.

Rising Through the Ranks

Cyborg's career took off as she moved to the United States, where she continued to dominate her opponents and build her reputation as a fierce competitor.

6. US MMA Debut: On July 26, 2008, she made her US debut against Shayna Baszler at EliteXC: Unfinished Business, winning by TKO in the second round.

7. EliteXC Success: Her second US fight was against Yoko Takahashi on October 4, 2008, at EliteXC: Heat, where she won by unanimous decision.

8. Strikeforce Debut: Cyborg signed with Strikeforce and debuted against Hitomi Akano on April 11, 2009, winning by TKO despite being overweight.

9. Gina Carano Showdown: Before fighting Gina Carano, she showcased her confidence by choking a reporter who asked about her submission skills.

10. Strikeforce Title Win: On August 15, 2009, she defeated Gina Carano via first-round TKO to win the Strikeforce title, gaining widespread recognition.

Achieving Grand Slam Champion Status

Cyborg's career is marked by her unique achievement of becoming a Grand Slam Champion, holding titles across four major MMA promotions.

11. Grand Slam Champion: She is the only fighter to hold world championships in Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, and Bellator MMA.

12. Bellator Reign: As of January 2021, she competes in Bellator MMA, holding the Bellator Women's Featherweight Champion title since January 2020.

13. UFC Career Highlights: A former UFC Featherweight Champion, she won her first UFC belt at UFC 214 in Anaheim, California.

14. Featherweight Division: Competing in the 145-pound division, she has never missed a fight due to weight issues, despite challenges.

15. Aggressive Fighting Style: Known for her aggression, Cyborg has remained undefeated since 2005, with many opponents avoiding her.

Dominance in the Cage

Cyborg's strength and skill in the cage have made her a formidable opponent, with numerous victories by knockout or technical knockout.

16. TKO Specialist: Out of her past eight fights, five ended in the first round, with three under a minute and a half, showcasing her knockout power.

17. Strength and Savagery: Her relentless striking has overwhelmed many opponents, including Tonya Evinger, who fell after two rounds.

18. Weight Cutting Struggles: Despite her sculpted physique, cutting weight has been a significant challenge throughout her career.

19. Heatstroke Concerns: The death of a fellow fighter from weight cutting in 2015 made her question the risks involved.

20. Personal Life: She was married to Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos, adopting his nickname. They split in 2011, and she became a U.S. citizen in 2016.

Family and Philanthropy

Beyond the cage, Cyborg is a dedicated family member and philanthropist, using her platform to make a positive impact.

21. Adoption: In 2018, she adopted her teenage niece, becoming the first mother to hold a UFC championship belt.

22. Philanthropy: She works with Fight for the Forgotten, a non-profit providing drinking water to the Batwa, reflecting her compassionate side.

23. BJJ Black Belt: After her first submission victory, she earned her BJJ Black Belt, highlighting her dedication to martial arts.

24. Championships and Accolades: Her career is decorated with numerous titles, including UFC, Invicta FC, and Strikeforce Featherweight Champion.

25. Impact on Women's MMA: Cyborg has paved the way for future female fighters, proving women can compete at the highest levels.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite facing online bullying and criticism, Cyborg remains a strong advocate for women and uses her experiences to inspire others.

26. Online Bullying: She has faced negative comments from figures like Ronda Rousey and Dana White but advocates for anti-bullying.

27. Girls Only Retreat: Her girls-only retreat, @girls_pinkbelt, supports and uplifts women in sports and beyond.

28. Training and Preparation: Known for her rigorous training, she focuses on her craft and the people she loves.

29. Coaching and Mentors: Coached by notable figures like Jason Parillo, her mentors have shaped her fighting style.

30. Tito Ortiz Connection: She met Tito Ortiz in Big Bear, California, helping him prepare for a UFC match.

Predictions and Rankings

Cyborg's career is closely watched by experts and fans, with her fights often attracting predictions and bets.

31. Sparring with Tito Ortiz: Ortiz was impressed by her resilience during sparring sessions, calling her skills exceptional.

32. Germaine de Randamie and Holly Holm: In 2014, she predicted de Randamie would beat Holm for the UFC featherweight belt.

33. UFC 208 and 145-Pound Division: She attended UFC 208 but refused to call it a legitimate title bout, advocating for a proper 145-pound division.

34. PFL and Bellator Matches: In 2024, potential matches between PFL and Bellator fighters, including Cyborg vs. Harrison, were discussed.

35. Rankings and Recognition: As of March 29, 2021, she was ranked #1 in the Bellator Women's pound-for-pound Rankings.

Continuing to Inspire

Cyborg's legacy in MMA continues to grow, inspiring future generations of fighters and fans with her dedication and achievements.

36. Expert Picks and Bets: Her fights attract expert picks and best bets, with analysts predicting her chances of winning.

37. How to Watch or Stream PFL Battles: Fans can stream PFL battles featuring top fighters like Cyborg through various platforms.

38. PFL Super Fights: Her potential participation in PFL Super Fights highlights her continued competitiveness in MMA.

39. Ranking Top 10 Women’s MMA Fighters: She consistently ranks among the top 10 women’s MMA fighters due to her impressive record.

40. Best Active Knockout Artists: Experts often include her in lists of the best active knockout artists, showcasing her formidable skills.

41. MMA Roundtable Discussions: Her status as a reigning champion makes her a subject of interest in discussions about potential dethronements.

42. Championship Belts and Accolades: Her career is marked by numerous championship belts and accolades, reflecting her hard work.

43. Philosophical Approach to Fighting: She views fighting as a sport, driven by competition rather than aggression.

44. Christian Faith: Her strong Christian faith provides spiritual support, believing that God completes her efforts.

45. Legacy in MMA: Cyborg's legacy is multifaceted, inspiring countless female fighters and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Cris Cyborg: A Legacy of Strength and Determination

Cris Cyborg's journey from a young handball player in Curitiba to a Grand Slam Champion in MMA is nothing short of inspiring. Her unwavering dedication and relentless spirit have made her a formidable force in the cage. With titles across Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, and Bellator, she's the only fighter to achieve such a feat. Her aggressive style and knockout power have left a lasting impact on women's MMA, paving the way for future generations. Beyond the cage, Cyborg's commitment to family, philanthropy, and empowering women showcases her multifaceted character. Despite challenges like weight cutting and online bullying, she remains a symbol of resilience. Her legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, inspiring countless fans and fighters worldwide. Cyborg's story continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark on the sport she loves.