Come March, Cris Cyborg’s UFC contract will come to an end. And according to the former women’s featherweight champion, she will likely be exploring other opportunities outside of the company, including a possible venture into boxing.
Striking coach Jason Parillo, however, says Cyborg is staying put.
“We’re not going to leave the UFC,” Parillo told MMAjunkie. “We’re going to stay there, plug away and get back the title that Cris had. She has the time and ability to do it.”
“If we could get a fight between now and March, that would be wonderful, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen. The negotiations are obviously the manager’s job, and I just want the best for Cris.”
As for Cyborg’s most recent title fight against Amanda Nunes, Parillo attributes the unfortunate outcome to his fighter’s main strategy, which did earn her a significant amount of success in the past.
“I saw Cris go out there and beat herself,” Parillo said. “I’ve said it in many interviews before, and it was always my biggest concern – which is her just going for broke, losing the plot and swinging wild. Just going back to old school Cyborg.
“Because I told her that the higher we climb the ladder; we’re not going to be able to get away with this style. We need to think a little bit more and stay behind the jab.”
Cyborg showed a lot of grace in defeat, and for Parillo, this loss is merely a minor setback.
“Cris and I have talked and texted every day since the fight and, because she has been dominating all these years, this is a new feeling for her, but she still has that fire in her heart,” Parillo said. “This is essentially a brand new feeling for her, so everything I say has to be sensitive to that. But harsh truths are also what’s going to make you better, sharper and smarter.
“This is an experience she has to get through, to prove who she is, and I know she will.”
After UFC 232, the 33-year-old Cyborg now holds a record of 20-2 (with 1 NC and 17 wins by knockout).