When Cris Cyborg stepped out of the cage at PFL Tampa, the presumption was that she just had retired from MMA with a 30-2 career record.
But quickly after her unanimous decision win over Ketlen Vieira, Cyborg was unsure what was next. Cyborg, who has held belts in UFC, PFL, Bellator, Invicta FC and Strikeforce during her career, wrapped her PFL deal with the win over Vieira.
She's likely not returning to the PFL – which will merge into MVP MMA next year. And the thought of a return to the UFC, where she lost the featherweight title to Amanda Nunes, probably is a bridge too far, too.
"I think this is in the past," Cyborg told MMA Junkie on Monday in New York, where she was on hand to support friend and former promoter Scott Coker's new Ki MMA endeavor.
"(It's been more than) eight years. People ask me the dream fight. Of course, I would like to do the rematch of Amanda Nunes. We didn't have the opportunity at the time (for a rematch). She didn't want to fight me.
"When you're a real fighter and you want to fight, I think when you ask me, yes, I would like to do the rematch. We never know what's going to be."
Cyborg has boxed plenty in recent years, and a boxing match with Claressa Shields was talked about for a while. It might be a long shot now, as are the Nunes rematch, or a fight against current UFC bantamweight champion Kalya Harrison.
But lots of other doors have opened for combat sports paydays in recent years, and Cyborg is pretty sure she's not done getting paid to throw hands.
"I love what I do. It's no sacrifice to wake up in the morning and do what I do. I love it. And yes, I'm a grandmother now, but I know I'm very excited. I have pleasure every time I step in the cage, and now maybe step in the ring," Cyborg said. "... I live in God's hands. What's the opportunity going to be? I'm healthy. I'm a better fighter now than before, so let's see. I'm happy and just enjoying every single moment."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Cris Cyborg uncertain of next move, but pretty sure it's not UFC
