Video Throwback: Cris Cyborg Makes UFC Debut With an Impressive First Round KO

Cris Cyborg is inarguably one of the greatest women mixed martial artists of all time. She has an impeccable record with 21 wins and only two losses to her name. Her most recent loss came against Amanda Nunes in the women’s featherweight championship match at UFC 232. It was the first time that Cyborg got knocked out in a fight.

However, Cyborg is still one of the most impactful women fighters in MMA. After an incredible 15 fight win streak, Cyborg made her UFC debut in 2016. Cyborg’s achievements before UFC saw her becoming Invicta FC featherweight champion, inaugural Strikeforce women’s featherweight championship. For the same reasons, Cyborg’s debut in UFC saw her taking on one of the biggest names in the company right then.

Cris Cyborg knocks out Leslie Smith in the first round

Cyborg faced Leslie Smith in her UFC debut. With victories over Raquel Pennington and Jennifer Maia, Leslie was a top-level athlete in the division. Cyborg did everything right in their fight at UFC 198.

Cyborg came out strong from the very start and advanced towards her opponent to control the pace of the game. She connected a big right hand in the first ten seconds of the match and followed it up with incredible boxing and footwork.

Just one minute into the fight, Cyborg threw a flurry of punches and kicks to dominate Leslie. When Leslie failed to recover, Cyborg beautifully carved the masterplan for the KO. She threw repeated kicks and punches before Leslie dropped on the ground, and followed it up with hammer fists to win the fight.

Cris Cyborg started her MMA career under UFC with a first-round knockout victory. It was an impressive performance that saw her make a name for herself in the MMA world, going forward.

Where is Cyborg now?

Cris Cyborg came face to face with title contender Felicia Spencer at UFC 240, not so long ago. She won the fight via unanimous decision. The fight also marked an end to Cyborg’s contract with UFC. She joined rival promotion Bellator soon after and is scheduled to face Jula Budd for the Bellator women’s featherweight championship.