What's Happening?
Cris Cyborg successfully defended her featherweight title by submitting Sara Collins at the PFL event in Lyon. The Brazilian fighter dominated the match, securing a rear-naked choke in the third round, marking only the second submission victory in her 32-fight career. Following her victory, Cyborg, who is nearing the end of her illustrious career, expressed her desire to face Briton Dakota Ditcheva and Northern Ireland's Leah McCourt in her final MMA bout. Cyborg, who has won world titles in four different promotions, plans to retire next year but hopes to engage in some boxing matches before concluding her career.
Why It's Important?
Cris Cyborg's continued dominance in the MMA world underscores her status as one of the sport's most formidable fighters. Her call-out
to Dakota Ditcheva and Leah McCourt highlights potential high-profile matchups that could draw significant attention and viewership to the PFL. As Cyborg approaches retirement, her matches are likely to attract fans eager to witness the final chapters of her storied career. The potential bouts with Ditcheva and McCourt could also elevate the profiles of these fighters, offering them a platform to showcase their skills against a legendary opponent.
What's Next?
Cyborg's announcement of her retirement plans and desire to face Ditcheva and McCourt sets the stage for negotiations and potential fight arrangements in the coming months. The PFL and other stakeholders will likely work to organize these bouts, considering the promotional and financial benefits of featuring Cyborg in her final MMA appearances. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these potential matchups develop and what impact they might have on the fighters' careers and the broader MMA landscape.
