Cris Cyborg calls out Claressa Shields and UFC champion with MMA retirement seemingly reconsidered

Cris Cyborg looks set to continue her MMA career after a nip and tuck win at PFL Tampa on Saturday.

The Brazilian all-time MMA great defeated former UFC contender Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision after five rounds to defend her PFL featherweight title live on talkSPORT and is now a free agent.

Getty

Despite Vieira missing weight by a whopping 7lbs ahead of the clash, Cyborg went ahead with the clash and risked relinquishing her belt in the headliner of PFL Tampa.

The 41-year-old had a clear game to target the body of Vieira, who found her own success with crisp boxing throughout the 25 minutes.

However, Cyborg dealt more significant blows to convince the judges to score the contest 49-46, 48-47 and 49-46 in her favour.

Cyborg told talkSPORT.com in December that she planned to contest one final MMA fight before targeting a world title in boxing and retiring.

Although much of the promotion surrounding her appearance on Saturday centred around it being her final MMA fight, Cyborg refused to commit in the build-up to PFL Tampa as she didn’t want to put pressure on herself.

Cyborg speaks after PFL Tampa win

And speaking after her victory, Cyborg seemingly made it clear she is still very much open to new opportunities in the cage.

“This was a big test for me,” Cyborg, now 30-2 in his professional MMA career, said.

“Now, I’m a free agent. I’m excited. Eight years undefeated. I’m ready for anybody. Any time, any weight.”

She then proceeded to send a message to Claressa Shields, who she has accused of ‘running’ from a $2million fight offer, and UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison.

“I have a message for Claressa Shields,” Cyborg said.

Getty

Getty

Getty

“You’re scared to fight me. This girl [Vieira] has more heart than you.

“I have eight [boxing fights] and you have almost 100, so accept the challenge. 160 [lbs] lets go!”

She wasn’t finished, however, and added: “Is Kayla Harrison is here? Come here.

“For so long, you’ve been running for me. You ran from me in PFL and now you’re coming to watch my fight?

“I’m ready for you. I hope you heal your neck, challenge Amanda Nunes and then I’m here.”

PFL CEO John Martin will no doubt try to convince Cyborg to re-sign with his promotion.

Getty

Getty

After all, the PFL completes a merger with Jake Paul‘s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Martin has said the new company will allow fighters to compete in both MMA and boxing.

But the Brazilian will, of course, receive offers left, right and centre.

In an interview with talkSPORT.com last week, Misfits Boxing co-president revealed plans to pin Olympic Taekwondo champion Jade Jones up against Cyborg ‘by the end of the year.’

While unlikely, a return to the UFC could also be on the horizon, with Harrison set to defend her title against Amanda Nunes next.

Cyborg dropped the UFC women’s featherweight belt to Nunes, who hasn’t fought in three years, in December 2018 before leaving the promotion after a points win over Felicia Spencer at UFC 240.

A mega-fight against undefeated boxing champion Shields is another option for Cyborg.

“Look at Cris Cyborg getting punched up,” Shields wrote on X in response to a clip of Cyborg fighting Vieira.