Cris Cyborg recently opened up about her longtime rival Ronda Rousey, expressing sympathy and concern for her former foe. "I feel sad for her," Cyborg told USA TODAY Sports in early August 2026. "I feel sorry for her. I think she’s scared of me. And I just wish the best for her." The comments come as Cyborg gears up for her fight against Ketlen Vieira on August 22, 2026, at a Professional Fighters League (PFL) event in Orlando, Florida.
Why it matters: Cyborg's reflections on Rousey highlight the complex dynamics of their rivalry, which has captivated MMA fans for years. As both fighters approach potential retirement, their legacies continue to intertwine.
Cyborg's comments indicate a shift in her perspective, acknowledging Rousey’s struggles since her retirement in 2016.
The feud reignited when Rousey accused Cyborg of being a "cheating, roided-up" fighter during Rousey’s comeback preparations in May 2026.
Rousey is now back in retirement as of August 2026, leaving Cyborg to contemplate her own future in the sport.
Driving the news: The long-standing feud between Cyborg and Rousey flared up again earlier this year, particularly when Rousey made her comeback announcement. Rousey’s accusations against Cyborg came just months before the latter’s scheduled fight with Vieira, intensifying the spotlight on their rivalry.
Rousey’s comeback was met with skepticism, especially after her previous losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes led to her retirement.
Cyborg, now 41, is also contemplating retirement after her upcoming fight, marking a potential end to her illustrious career.
With one fight remaining on her PFL contract, Cyborg is eager to showcase her skills and possibly extend her career based on the outcome.
State of play: Cyborg enters her fight against Vieira with a professional record of 29-2, including 21 knockouts. She asserts that she feels stronger and more skilled now than she did at 21.
Cyborg has faced criticism in the past, including two positive tests for banned substances, but she maintains her status as a clean athlete.
Her confidence remains high as she prepares for the fight, stating, "I love (what) I do. I love challenge. And I want to see how I feel this fight. After that, see what's going to happen next."
Her upcoming bout is seen as a potential retirement fight, increasing the stakes for both Cyborg and her fans.
The big picture: The rivalry between Cyborg and Rousey has defined women's MMA for nearly a decade. Cyborg believes Rousey capitalized on her name for publicity rather than seeking an actual fight.
Cyborg accused Rousey of using her for promotion during Rousey’s peak years, stating, "Ronda never actually wanted the fight to happen when she called me out; she just used me for promotion which was smart."
Fans have long desired a superfight between the two, but weight class issues and contractual disputes have prevented it from happening.
As both fighters navigate their careers, the question of whether they will ever face off in the cage remains unanswered.
What they're saying: Cyborg's recent remarks have reignited discussions about her legacy and Rousey's impact on the sport.
"I’m a more dangerous fighter today than I was before; I would beat her really bad today," Cyborg claimed, highlighting her confidence ahead of the fight.
Experts speculate that if Rousey refused to fight Cyborg at their peak, the likelihood of a matchup now seems slim.
Cyborg’s promoter, Nakisa Bidarian, has indicated that the merger between PFL and Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions could open new doors for Cyborg, depending on her performance against Vieira.
By the numbers: Cyborg’s career statistics tell an impressive story.
Record: 29 wins, 2 losses, 21 of those wins by knockout.
Age: 41 years old, yet she claims to feel stronger and more capable than in her youth.
Titles: Cyborg has captured championships across multiple promotions including Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, Bellator, and PFL.
What's next: Cyborg’s immediate focus is on her fight against Vieira, which could determine her future in the sport.
The fight will take place on August 22, 2026, and is anticipated to be a defining moment in Cyborg’s career.
Post-fight, Cyborg will evaluate her options, including the possibility of more fights under the new promotional structure following the merger.
Fans and analysts alike will follow closely closely to see if Cyborg can maintain her dominance in the octagon and what her next steps will be.
Cyborg's reflections on Rousey and her own career highlight the intertwined paths of two of MMA's most iconic figures. As both women face the twilight of their careers, the future of their rivalry remains uncertain, but Cyborg’s confidence in her abilities suggests she’s far from done.