Cris Cyborg, born Cristiane Justino Venâncio, is one of the most dominant and accomplished female fighters in mixed martial arts history. Known for her explosive power, relentless aggression, and technical prowess, Cyborg has become a household name in combat sports, holding world titles across every major MMA promotion. Here’s a detailed look at her life, career, and achievements.
Cris Cyborg’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Cristiane Justino Venâncio |
| Nickname | Cris Cyborg |
| Date of Birth | July 9, 1985 |
| Age | 39 years |
| Birthplace | Curitiba, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 145 lbs (66 kg) |
| College | Studied Physical Education in Curitiba |
| Religion | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2005 |
| Net Worth | $28 million |
| Salary | $1 million per fight |
| Spouse | Ex-husband: Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Fiancé | Ray Elbe |
| Children | Adopted niece |
| Instagram Profile | @criscyborg |
Early Career
Cris Cyborg began her athletic journey as a national-level handball player in Brazil, earning multiple sports scholarships. Her transition to MMA happened after being discovered by Rudimar Fedrigo, a renowned Chute Boxe Academy trainer, who saw her potential during a handball match. She made her professional MMA debut at 19 in 2005, losing to Erica Paes by submission. Undeterred, she rebounded with a series of knockout victories in Brazil, quickly building a reputation for her ferocious fighting style.
Professional Career
After a successful run in Brazil, Cyborg entered the U.S. MMA scene in 2008, defeating Shayna Baszler and Yoko Takahashi. She captured the Strikeforce Featherweight title in 2009 by stopping Gina Carano, marking the first major women’s MMA main event. Cyborg dominated Strikeforce until a suspension in 2011, then returned to win the Invicta FC Featherweight Championship.
Her UFC debut in 2016 led to her winning the UFC Featherweight title, where she defended against top contenders like Holly Holm and Yana Kunitskaya. After a single UFC loss to Amanda Nunes, Cyborg joined Bellator, becoming their featherweight champion and continuing her reign of dominance. In 2024, she signed with PFL, headlining major events and earning record-breaking purses.
Husband
Cris Cyborg was married to fellow MMA fighter Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos from 2005 to 2011. She is currently engaged to Ray Elbe, a former professional MMA fighter and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. In 2018, Cyborg formally adopted her niece, making her the first mother to carry a UFC championship belt.
Cris Cyborg’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Cris Cyborg’s net worth is estimated at $28 million. This figure includes her fight purses, endorsements, business ventures, and media appearances.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Purse | Win Bonus | Promotion | Year |
| Hitomi Akano | $10,000 | $5,000 | Strikeforce | 2009 |
| Gina Carano | $25,000 | $5,000 | Strikeforce | 2009 |
| Marloes Coenen | $30,000 | $5,000 | Strikeforce | 2010 |
| Jan Finney | $30,000 | $5,000 | Strikeforce | 2010 |
| Hiroko Yamanaka | $30,000 | $5,000 | Strikeforce | 2011 |
| Fiona Muxlow | $30,000 | $30,000 | Invicta FC | 2013 |
| Marloes Coenen | $50,000 | $50,000 | Invicta FC | 2013 |
| Charmaine Tweet | $45,000 | $45,000 | Invicta FC | 2015 |
| Faith McMah | $50,000 | $50,000 | Invicta FC | 2015 |
| Daria Ibragimova | $50,000 | $50,000 | Invicta FC | 2016 |
| Leslie Smith | $200,000 | $100,000 | UFC | 2016 |
| Lina Lansberg | $200,000 | $100,000 | UFC | 2016 |
| Tonya Evinger | $200,000 | $100,000 | UFC | 2017 |
| Holly Holm | $500,000 | $100,000 | UFC | 2017 |
| Yana Santos | $500,000 | $100,000 | UFC | 2018 |
| Amanda Nunes | $500,000 | N/A | UFC | 2018 |
| Felicia Spencer | $500,000 | $100,000 | UFC | 2019 |
| Julia Budd | $250,000 | – | Bellator | 2020 |
| Arlene Blencowe | $250,000 | – | Bellator | 2020 |
| Leslie Smith | $250,000 | – | Bellator | 2021 |
| Sinead Kavanagh | $300,000 | – | Bellator | 2021 |
| Arlene Blencowe | $300,000 | – | Bellator | 2022 |
| Cat Zingano | $300,000 | – | Bellator | 2023 |
| Larissa Pacheco | $1,000,000 | – | PFL Super Fights | 2024 |
Endorsements
- Cyborg is highly selective with her endorsements, partnering only with brands and companies that align with her values and athletic image.
- She has collaborated with several sports apparel and equipment brands.
- Cyborg has her own clothing and merchandise line, contributing to her financial success.
- She has appeared in movies and television shows, further expanding her brand.
- Cyborg’s popularity has attracted sponsorship deals from nutrition and supplement companies.
- She has worked with major MMA promotions for promotional campaigns.
- Cyborg’s social media presence has made her a sought-after influencer for fitness-related products.
- She has participated in charity events and campaigns as a brand ambassador.
- Cyborg has featured in international advertising campaigns.
- She maintains a strong online presence, leveraging her brand for digital marketing partnerships.
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Method | Promotion | Date |
| Erica Paes | Loss | Submission | Showfight | May 17, 2005 |
| Vanessa Porto | Win | Decision | Storm Samurai | 2005 |
| Shayna Baszler | Win | TKO | EliteXC | 2008 |
| Gina Carano | Win | TKO | Strikeforce | 2009 |
| Marloes Coenen | Win | TKO | Strikeforce | 2010 |
| Jan Finney | Win | TKO | Strikeforce | 2010 |
| Hiroko Yamanaka | Win (Overturned) | KO | Strikeforce | 2011 |
| Fiona Muxlow | Win | TKO | Invicta FC | 2013 |
| Holly Holm | Win | Decision | UFC | 2017 |
| Yana Kunitskaya | Win | TKO | UFC | 2018 |
| Amanda Nunes | Loss | KO | UFC | 2018 |
| Felicia Spencer | Win | Decision | UFC | 2019 |
| Julia Budd | Win | TKO | Bellator | 2020 |
| Arlene Blencowe | Win | Submission | Bellator | 2020 |
| Leslie Smith | Win | TKO | Bellator | 2021 |
| Sinead Kavanagh | Win | KO | Bellator | 2021 |
| Cat Zingano | Win | TKO | Bellator | 2023 |
| Larissa Pacheco | Scheduled | – | PFL | Oct 2024 |
FAQs
1. Who is Cris Cyborg?
Cris Cyborg, born Cristiane Justino Venâncio on July 9, 1985, is a Brazilian-American professional mixed martial artist and boxer. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters in MMA history and is known for her dominance across multiple organizations.
2. What championships has Cris Cyborg won?
Cris Cyborg is the only MMA fighter, male or female, to become a Grand Slam Champion by winning world titles in Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, Bellator MMA, and PFL, making her the most decorated female fighter in the sport.
3. How did Cris Cyborg start her combat sports career?
Cyborg began her athletic career as a national-level handball player in Brazil. She transitioned to combat sports after being discovered by a Chute Boxe Academy trainer, who encouraged her to try Muay Thai, which led to her MMA journey.
4. What is Cris Cyborg’s fighting style?
Cris Cyborg is known for her aggressive striking, powerful ground-and-pound, and well-rounded mixed martial arts skills. She has also competed in Muay Thai and professional boxing, showcasing versatility in combat sports.
5. What was Cris Cyborg’s first major MMA title win?
Cyborg first gained international recognition by winning the Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Championship on August 15, 2009, defeating Gina Carano via first-round TKO in the first major women’s MMA main event.
6. Has Cris Cyborg ever lost a fight?
Cris Cyborg lost her professional MMA debut in 2005 but then went on a 15-fight win streak. In the UFC, her only loss came against Amanda Nunes at UFC 232 in 2018.
7. What humanitarian work is Cris Cyborg known for?
Cyborg is active in humanitarian efforts, including working with underprivileged communities, anti-bullying programs, and women’s empowerment. She has supported projects like Fight For The Forgotten, helping provide clean water to villages in Uganda, and fundraised for children’s cancer hospitals in Brazil.
8. What is Cris Cyborg’s nationality?
Cris Cyborg was born in Brazil and became an American citizen in 2016. She currently resides in Huntington Beach, California.
9. What is unique about Cris Cyborg’s legacy in MMA?
Cyborg’s legacy is defined by her unprecedented 13-year unbeaten period, her Grand Slam Champion status, and her impact as a role model and advocate for women in sports.
10. Is Cris Cyborg still an active fighter?
As of 2024, Cris Cyborg competes in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and holds the PFL Super Fights Women’s World Featherweight Championship, continuing her career at the highest levels of MMA.