Cris Cyborg responds to calls for her to fight in Scott Coker's Ki MMA
Cris Cyborg has addressed the recent Ki MMA launch event, in addition to reacting to the widespread calls for her to compete in the new organization.
Cris Cyborg has long been regarded as one of the most skilled and beloved fighters in the MMA realm and beyond.
She recently outpointed Ketlen Vieira to defend her PFL women's featherweight belt at PFL Tampa last month, marking the final fight of her PFL deal. Cyborg is said to be one of the most sought-after free agents in the fight business as of now.
The veteran fighter is believed to be interested in returning to professional combat sports competition amid rumors of her MMA retirement. Cyborg, on her part, has hinted that she hasn't fully closed the door on fighting again, although the Vieira matchup was believed to be her final mixed martial arts appearance.
In the aftermath of the launch of former Strikeforce boss Scott Coker's newly founded Ki MMA organization, Cyborg has opened up about her potential MMA return and Ki MMA.
Cris Cyborg hails Scott Coker's Ki MMA, alludes to its imminent featherweight tournament
As reported earlier this month, veteran combat sports promoter Scott Coker recently hosted a number of star athletes at the launch of his new MMA organization, Ki MMA, in New York. The Ki MMA co-founder Coker is set to helm the organization, while his longtime associates Rich Chou (EVP of athlete relations) and Peter Levin (co-founder and Chair) were also present at the event.
Moreover, the legendary Cris Cyborg was in attendance for the grand event. The combat sports realm was, as such, set abuzz with speculation that she could possibly be interested in competing under the Ki MMA promotional banner. It's noteworthy that Cyborg previously fought for the Strikeforce MMA organization back when Coker helmed it.
Cyborg even addressed the fans during an interview at the event, hinting that she could consider fighting in Ki MMA. Well, the 41-year-old has now reacted to the subsequent widespread calls from fans and experts alike for her to fight in Ki MMA, perhaps even take her talents to the professional boxing ring or to bare-knuckle boxing in the BKFC.
Taking to her official X handle, Cyborg alluded to the much-discussed 32-man featherweight tournament Ki MMA is set to organize as it eyes a grand debut in 2027. In a video attached to the post, she also made an allusion to her respect for Coker.
An excerpt from her post read: "It was an honor to be invited to attend the @ki_mmaofficial launch party. 4 Continental Tournaments. 8 Top Prospects per Continent. One night: 4 continental Champions. Win, advance. 2 fights 1 night. 32 fighters, 4 continents, 5 wins, 1 world champion."
It was an honor to be invited to attend the @ki_mmaofficial launch party 🚀 4 Continental Tournaments 8 Top Prospects per Continent One night: 4 continental Champions Win, advance. 2 fights 1 night. 32 fighters, 4 continents, 5 wins, 1 world champion. 📺 @OnlyFans | @watchOFTV
— CrisCy₿org.com 19X World Champ (@criscyborg) September 24, 2026
Cris Cyborg responds to persistent calls for her to compete in Ki MMA, continue her combat sports career
The video in her aforementioned X post saw her emphasize that the MMA matchups in Ki MMA are set to be contested in a ring rather than a cage. The Brazilian-American combatant highlighted that the promotion will surely attract numerous young fighters.
Furthermore, there's massive fan speculation about her potential grudge match against Claressa Shields in professional boxing, as well as fan discussions about her possible bare-knuckle boxing super-fight against Christine Ferea in the BKFC.
Cyborg appeared to respond to fan debates and discussions by clarifying that she's still open to continuing her combat sports career if the right opportunity presents itself.
A former Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, and Bellator MMA women's featherweight champion -- and the reigning PFL women's featherweight ruler -- Cyborg said:
"A lot of people asking me if I'm gonna be fighting for Scott Coker for the Ki MMA. I think everything can be possible. I think I'm gonna be with my ears open, and my eyes open, for seeing the best opportunity for me and the next journey I wanna go. And I'm very excited."
