Cris Cyborg Ended Retirement to Continue Fighting

The veteran mixed martial artist has reversed her retirement plans to champion the women's 145 lb weight class.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a mixed martial arts fighter in a combat stance, rendered in gestural brush strokes. — Mixed martial arts veteran Cris Cyborg Justino has reversed her retirement, committing to continue fighting to sustain the women's 145 lb division. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Cris Cyborg Justino has announced she is ending her retirement from professional fighting. She confirmed her decision via social media to ensure the 145 lb division remains viable for women in major MMA promotions.

Why it matters

Justino is motivated by the goal of preserving a specific competitive division for female athletes. Her commitment to the sport signals an ongoing effort to maintain opportunities for women fighting at that weight.

Justino carries a professional career record of 30-2-1 into her return. She is specifically focused on the future of the women's 145 lb division.

The players

Cris Cyborg Justino

She is a veteran professional mixed martial artist with a career record of 30-2-1 who has reversed her decision to retire.

Ketlen Vieira

She is a professional fighter who faced Justino during the PFL Tampa event.

Ronda Rousey

She is a former professional fighter and athlete who has been linked as a potential future opponent for Justino.

The details

Following her victory over Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa earlier this year, Justino had signaled an intent to retire from the cage. She has since received an offer to compete in Bare Knuckle FC and is considering a potential matchup against Ronda Rousey.

Earlier this year, Justino defeated Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa.
2027 is a potential timeframe for her participation in a Most Valuable Promotions MMA event.

Season Trajectory

Justino's decision to return alters the landscape of the women's featherweight division by providing a veteran anchor for the weight class. This move influences the potential matchups and roster building for major promotions looking to keep the 145 lb division active.

The return of a fighter with a 30-2-1 record provides a major draw for upcoming fight cards and keeps the 145 lb division on the radar for matchmaking. Fans and analysts can now expect Justino to be included in future booking discussions for major MMA events.

The takeaway

Justino's return highlights the influence veteran fighters maintain in shaping the viability of specific weight classes. Her continued career serves as a focal point for those interested in the longevity of women's divisions in professional MMA.