Born: 1985 (Curitiba, Brazil)
Biography:
Cristiane Justino Venâncio, better known by her ring name Cris Cyborg, is a Brazilian-American mixed martial artist. Born on July 9, 1985, in Curitiba, Brazil, she is widely regarded as one of the greatest female mixed martial artists of all time. Cyborg has left an indelible mark on the sport of MMA, achieving numerous accomplishments throughout her career.
Cyborg’s journey began in her early years when she discovered her passion for sports. Growing up with divorced parents and a father struggling with alcoholism, she found solace and purpose in her athletic pursuits. At the age of twelve, she excelled in handball, eventually playing at a national level in Brazil. Her skill and dedication earned her numerous athletic scholarships after high school, but she decided to pursue a degree in physical education in Curitiba.
However, fate had other plans for Cyborg. While planning to move to Cascavel to become a professional handball player, she caught the attention of Rudimar Fedrigo, a trainer from the renowned Chute Boxe Academy. Impressed by her physical attributes, Fedrigo encouraged her to explore the world of fighting. Intrigued by the possibility, Cyborg joined a Muay Thai class and immediately fell in love with the sport.
Her professional mixed martial arts debut came on May 17, 2005, at Showfight 2, where she faced off against Erica Paes, a multiple-time world BJJ champion. Despite being only 19 years old at the time, Cyborg showcased her exceptional skills and relentless determination. However, Paes, the first woman to train at the Brazilian Top Team academy, secured a submission victory over Cyborg in the first round. This initial setback would serve as a valuable lesson for Cyborg, propelling her to push harder and refine her technique.
Undeterred by her loss, Cyborg embarked on a remarkable career that would solidify her status as an MMA legend. She first gained widespread recognition when she claimed the Strikeforce featherweight title on August 15, 2009. In a highly anticipated fight against Gina Carano, Cyborg emerged victorious with a first-round technical knockout, announcing her arrival as a dominant force in women’s MMA.
Continuing her impressive run, Cyborg later became the Invicta FC and UFC featherweight champion. She became the only MMA fighter, male or female, to achieve the coveted Grand Slam, holding world championships across four major promotions. Cyborg’s accomplishments have solidified her legacy as an inspirational figure in women’s combat sports, paving the way for future generations of female fighters.
In January 2020, Cyborg made history once again by capturing the Bellator Women’s Featherweight Championship. Her remarkable skill set, consisting of relentless strikes, intimidating power, and tenacious grappling, has garnered admiration from fans and fellow fighters alike. She continues to dominate the Bellator division, currently holding the title and ranking as the number one pound-for-pound female fighter.
Beyond her accomplishments in the cage, Cyborg’s influence extends beyond the world of mixed martial arts. She has served as a role model for aspiring athletes and has played a significant role in elevating women’s MMA to unprecedented heights. Her success and dedication have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes, inspiring women worldwide to pursue their dreams in combat sports.
With her unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and trailblazing spirit, Cris Cyborg has cemented her place among the greatest fighters of all time. Her impact on women’s MMA and her contributions to the sport’s history will be remembered for generations to come.
Awards:
– Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champion (current)
– UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion
– Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Champion
– Invicta FC Featherweight Champion
– Grand Slam Champion (the only fighter, male or female, to achieve this feat)