Brazilian MMA legend Cris Cyborg is wary and prepared, but knows she is ready for anything Australian wildcard Sara Collins can throw at her.
The pair will meet in the ring in Lyon, France, on Sunday on a Pro Fight League card, with Cyborg looking for her 29th MMA victory, while Collins could claim the biggest scalp of her career and move to 7-0.
Collins, a 35-year-old Aussie midwife, has begun to make a name for herself after switching from judo to mixed martial arts.
READ MORE: Elias rocked by Tigers’ ‘biggest decision’ in club history
READ MORE: Piastri Red Bull links grow stronger as rumours fly
READ MORE: Tigers board member quits after Instagram scandal
And she feels that background in judo gives her a shot at taking down one of the icons of the sport, despite entering as the heavy underdog.
Australian Sara Collins celebrates victory. PFL
“Judo is one of the best bases to have for MMA,” Collins told Wide World of Sports.
“It’s the hardest to learn as an adult, and it’s hardest to defend. I’ve just got a good feeling, like in my hips, in my movement, that I don’t think she’s going to be able to stop, even if she trains with judo people. She hasn’t been doing it her whole life like I have, so I think that’s going to be my big advantage.
“I’m just going to be able to feel things better and be able to do the grappling takedowns, from stand up to the ground, better.”
When asked about those comments, Cyborg’s confidence in her own experience and skillset immediately shone through.
Watch all the action from PFL Lyon 2025, including Cris Cyborg vs Sara Collins on December 14, live and on demand on Stan Sport
“She has to say something, all the opponents have to say something,” Cyborg told Wide World of Sports.
“I don’t worry about it. Of course, you’ve got to study your opponent and see what she does, but I’ve been training high-level judo in my team to be prepared for any situation in the fight.
“I always train hard for any opponent. Obviously, I’m wary of her.”
Next year will be it for the 40-year-old. After fighting Collins, she is contracted for one more fight with PFL before having the scope to finish her career on her terms.
Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Cyborg has dabbled in boxing as well as MMA in the last few years and is keen to continue exploring that world next year.
“Next year is going to be my last year in the sport. I always like to think about the next thing I have in front of me, and that’s Sara,” she said.
“After Sara, I have one more fight on my contract with PFL, and I would like to make some boxing fights in between and have the opportunity to fight for a world title.”
As for who she has in her sights after the Collins fight, Cyborg was coy, for now.
“Nobody is on my list … yet. Only Sara,” she laughed.
Cyborg has fought some of the biggest names in MMA history across her storied career.
Boasting a 28-2 record, she lost her first-ever fight back in 2005, but has only truly been beaten once in her prime, and that was by UFC great Amanda Nunes.
She has dominated the likes of Marloes Coenen, Holly Holm, Tonya Evinger, Yana Santos and Shayna Baszler.
Cris Cyborg walks out ahead of the Women’s Featherweight World Title fight. Getty
Of course, the fight everyone hoped for against Ronda Rousey never eventuated.
Cyborg is confident her legacy is secured regardless of what happens in the final year of her career.
“I believe I did a lot for the sport. I always give it my best. I’m very thankful for all the opportunities I’ve had in my career, and I just have to continue doing great,” she said.
“I think my legacy is already done. What I did for this sport doesn’t change based on the fight on Saturday.
“I’ve already accomplished a lot of things, so I’m very thankful.
“I believe every fight I fought in my career built me up into who I am today.”
She refused to put a line through a return to the UFC in 2026, but for now is focused on Collins, who looms as a fascinating opponent on Sunday.