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Cris Cyborg

Cristiane Justino Venâncio, known professionally as Cris Cyborg, is a Brazilian-American mixed martial artist and professional boxer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cristiane Justino Venâncio, known professionally as Cris Cyborg, is a Brazilian-American mixed martial artist and professional boxer. She is a former champion in several major MMA promotions, including Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, and Bellator, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters in MMA history.

Early life and background

Cristiane Justino Venâncio was born in Curitiba, Brazil, on 9 July 1985. She later became a Brazilian-American athlete and trained at Chute Boxe, a well-known MMA team.

Mixed martial arts career

Cyborg built a championship résumé across several promotions, winning featherweight or related titles in Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, Bellator, and PFL. Coverage from ESPN and the BBC notes her long title reigns and reputation as an elite female fighter.

Boxing career

In addition to MMA, Cyborg has competed professionally in boxing. Sources report that she won a WIBA world title in 2026 and has continued to fight in boxing alongside her MMA career.

Recognition and legacy

Major outlets have repeatedly described Cyborg as one of the greatest female fighters in MMA history. Her achievements have included being presented as a multi-division or multi-promotion champion, with especially strong success at featherweight.

Key facts

  • Cris Cyborg is a Brazilian-American mixed martial artist and professional boxer born in Curitiba, Brazil, on 9 July 1985.
  • She has held major world titles in multiple MMA promotions, including Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, Bellator, and PFL.
  • She became the first fighter in MMA history to win major championships across four major promotions, according to ESPN.
  • She has also competed in boxing and won a WIBA world title in 2026.
  • Her listed professional MMA record is 29–2–0 with 1 no contest.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Cris Cyborg?
Cris Cyborg is the professional name of Cristiane Justino Venâncio, a Brazilian-American MMA fighter and boxer born in 1985.
What is Cris Cyborg known for?
She is known for winning major championships in Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, Bellator, and PFL, and for her reputation as one of MMA’s top female fighters.
Where was Cris Cyborg born?
She was born in Curitiba, Brazil.
What weight class does Cris Cyborg fight in?
Her listed MMA division is women’s featherweight.
Has Cris Cyborg fought in boxing?
Yes. She has competed professionally in boxing and was reported to have won a WIBA world title in 2026.
What is Cris Cyborg’s MMA record?
ESPN and PFL list her professional record at 29 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cris_Cyborg
    Supports: Biographical details, MMA and boxing championships, and 2026 WIBA title note.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2354564/cris-cyborg
    Supports: Birthdate, nationality, division, stance, reach, and professional record.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/33779366/cris-cyborg-jessica-andrade-headline-mma-weekend-spotlight-women-fights
    Supports: Description of her as a champion across four major promotions and one of the greatest female combat sports athletes.
  4. PFL MMA — https://www.pflmma.com/all-fighter/cris-cyborg
    Supports: Career record and fighting division.
  5. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/articles/c3dyn5xvevpo
    Supports: Career overview, recent PFL featherweight title win, and status as one of the greatest female fighters.
  6. Official Cris Cyborg website — https://www.criscyborg.com/about
    Supports: Background, career claims, citizenship, and branding notes.