Cris Cyborg continues to build one of the most decorated careers in women’s mixed martial arts.
Competing at PFL Lyon, the longtime MMA standout added yet another title to her résumé by defeating Sara Collins via submission in the third round. The victory officially crowned Cyborg as the PFL featherweight champion, marking another milestone in a career already filled with championship success across multiple promotions.
How The Fight Played Out
From the opening round, Cyborg applied steady pressure and controlled the pace on the feet. Her experience and striking volume allowed her to consistently outwork the less seasoned Collins during the early exchanges.
In the second round, Collins attempted to shift momentum by taking the fight to the mat. While the challenger showed flashes of her grappling background, Cyborg remained composed, defended well, and prevented Collins from establishing sustained control.
The decisive moment came in the third round. A scramble on the ground created an opening, and Cyborg quickly capitalized, securing back control and locking in a rear naked choke to end the contest just under three minutes into the round.
Cris Cyborg gets it done with a rear naked submission as she defends her PFL Women’s Featherweight World Title! 🐍🏆#PFLLyon | LDLC Arena, Lyon | 📺LIVE NOW on the ESPN app pic.twitter.com/c571rRJGbV
— PFL (@PFLMMA) December 13, 2025
With the win, Cyborg now officially holds the PFL featherweight title, adding it to a championship collection that already includes belts from UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce, and Invicta FC. Few fighters in MMA history have claimed titles across as many major organizations.
She had previously competed in PFL Super Fights, but this victory marks her first reign as the promotion’s featherweight champion.
Following the fight, Cyborg made it clear that she intends to compete one more time in MMA during 2026.
When discussing potential opponents, she referenced multiple names, including former Bellator contender Leah McCourt, before also bringing up Dakota Ditcheva, one of PFL’s fastest rising stars. Ditcheva remains undefeated and has become a central figure in the organization, making the matchup an intriguing possibility if weight terms can be aligned.
Cyborg also acknowledged that a future bout could take place at a negotiated catchweight, something she has done earlier in her career.
Now 39 years old, Cris Cyborg continues to perform at an elite level while carefully shaping the final phase of her career. With another championship secured and multiple high-profile options ahead, her next decision could help define one of the most accomplished legacies in women’s MMA history.
