Cris Cyborg returns to ESPN MMA Pound 4 Pound rakings

Cris Cyborg returned to Bellator MMA in a big way after more than a year away from the cage competing as an undefeated fighter in professional boxing.  Making her return against #1 contender and undefeated Bellator MMA fighter Cat Zingano many people expected a competitive fight as Cat Zingano has notable UFC victories over Raquel Pennington, Miesha Tate, and Amanda Nunes.  A former Collegiate All American Wrestler and an ADCC Qualifying Champion many people expected Zingano to be able to get the fight to the floor.  Cyborg crushed each takedown attempt stopping Zingano all 5 times before finishing the fight via violent strikes from on top at 4:01 of the first round.

With the victory Cyborg won her 16th World Championship bout during her career and extended her 5 year unbeaten streak to 7 fights.  Recognized as the sport of MMA’s only Grand Slam Champion after winning Bellator MMA, UFC, Invicta FC, and Strikeforce Championships, Cyborg had a 13 year unbeaten streak before losing an upset to Amanda Nunes in 2018.  With 1 fight remaining on her UFC contract, Cyborg attempted to secure the rematch with Nunes, however Nunes did not return to the Featherweight division for another (2) two years, instead deciding to compete in the Bantamweight division which forced the UFC to give Cyborg their #1 contender in Felicia Spencer as the final fight on her contract.  Cyborg was victories over Spencer before capturing the Bellator MMA belt in 2019 with a TKO victory over Julia Budd. Nunes eventually made her return to 145lbs after Cyborg had signed with another promotion facing the same opponent in Felicia Spencer that Cyborg fought as the final bout of her promotional career.

With 4 total era’s in her career Cris Cyborg is now entering her 18th year as a professional in the sport an era of dominance that has never been seen.  A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, Cris Cyborg looked as close to her prime Saturday night at Bellator 300 as she has at any point in her career.  Technical, Strong, Accurate.  View the full ESPN Rankings HERE.