Cris Cyborg is seeking the biggest fights possible in the final stages of her illustrious career, and Claressa Shields fits the bill.
Cyborg faces Kelsey Wickstrum in a six-round, 154-pound boxing match Friday at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif., marking her third fight in the ring.
With PFL acquiring Bellator, Cyborg and Shields are now under the same banner. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Shields named Bellator featherweight champion Cyborg as her dream matchup in MMA, and Cyborg is willing to face her in both worlds.
“I think it can be good. We can do one boxing and one MMA,” Cyborg told MMA Junkie Radio. “I think it’ll be nice. I think the fans would like it. Much respect, Claressa is the GOAT in boxing. She’s the best in boxing but for me, it’s nice.
“Like MMA, it’s a different world in boxing. We’re in the same organization. For sure we can fight MMA one day. I don’t know. She’s young, I’m at the end of the line now, but for sure I love opportunities. I love to do great fights.”
Shields (1-1) makes her return to the cage when she faces Kelsey DeSantis (1-2) in the inaugural PFL vs. Bellator event Feb. 24 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Cyborg has held titles in just about every major MMA organization. With names like Shields, Kayla Harrison, and Larissa Pacheco on her radar, Cyborg just wants a fight that will pique the fans’ interest.
“For me, I want to complete 20 years fighting,” Cyborg said. “I’m going to 19 now, and I want to be doing the biggest fights. If it’s going to be in boxing or MMA, but I want to do the biggest fights in both.”
