It’s not quite boxing. Nor is it wrestling. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is sparring that incorporates a variety of techniques, including striking, grappling, submission holds and kicking. A contender proves victorious by overcoming their opponent via submission, knockout, technical knockout (TKO) or through decision by a judgment panel. The sport was traditionally dominated by men—until Cristiane Santos, aka Cris Cyborg, redefined the MMA fighter.

Born in Curitiba, Brazil, Cyborg was destined to become a great athlete. Her advanced strength and high endurance levels were impressive. However, it was Cyborg’s discipline that allowed her to transcend the gender boundaries that separated men and women contenders.

Trained at the renowned Chute Boxe Academy, in Curitaba, she was afforded an invaluable education in proper MMA techniques. She is almost undefeated, losing only her debut fight in 2005. Known as the first Strikeforce Women’s Middleweight Champion, Cyborg’s aggressive nature, hunger for victory and passion for the sport are evident in each of her matches.

To watch Cyborg fight is to witness determination personified. There is never a lull in her energy and she remains strong until the end—when she is declared victorious.

Cris Cyborg tells Moxy Magazine how she broke through the barriers and broke into MMA.

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Moxy Magazine: Aside from handball and MMA, in what other sports did you participate? When did you know that MMA was the discipline to which you wanted to dedicate yourself? 

Cris Cyborg: I always liked sports; I started when 12 years [old] in handball, and loved to run track and field. I then started training to race when I was 18 years [old] in the heptathlon; I began adventure racing with a team of three men and myself in a mixed group. When I started training, I dedicated myself completely to MMA [pursuing] only martial arts training.

MM: Is it true that you started in Muay Thai after someone witnessed your exceptional athletic ability during a high school handball match?

CC: Actually I was training and a member of Chute Boxe Academy, not Muay Thai. I found everything I needed to be a great fighter in that organization. It never really crossed my mind to be a fighter.

MM: During your growth as an athlete what were the most important elements of your training? 

CC: The most important element of my training is discipline and keeping an open mind with a willingness to learn more.

MM: When fighting, you are incredibly focused. What are your tactics and strategy?

CC: I always practice as much as I can to be prepared for the worst in the octagon, because things there are always fluid and changing. Training is the hardest part of the fight, the fight itself is EASY! I try to stay focused and be prepared for the war that I find myself in.

MM: You hold training sessions and seminars during which fans, aspiring MMA fighters or people that are simply curious can participate. Have you noticed an increase in female participation?

CC: My seminars are open to the general public and professional athletes, as long as they’re willing to learn and participate. I’ve noticed an increase in the participation of women in MMA—during my last seminar in Las Vegas we had 42 girls present! I am very excited to see our sport grow, and women stepping up and participating.

MM: Your husband is MMA fighter Evangelista Santos—he is also your trainer. What is that like?

CC: We train together and he is one of my instructors. When the husband and wife work together as fighter/trainer it does have its advantages and disadvantages!  He knows everything that’s on my mind when I’m ready to fight and so we have no problems. We have to separate our work and personal life.

MM: What information is most important for a young woman to know if she is interested in becoming an MMA athlete?

CC: First of all, take a professional lesson. Have a desire to learn and keep an open mind… the rest just happens.

MM: You are a champion MMA fighter. Your record is incredible. What is next for you?  What are goals that you would like to achieve in the future?

CC: My goals as an athlete are to keep my belt, give the fans good fights, and be an ambassador for MMA helping women grow in the sport. Eventually I want to open my own gym and help develop great athletes as well as help underprivileged children.

For more information on Cris Cyborg visit http://criscyborg.com.

Article written by Dorothy Crouch for Moxy Magazine, July 2011. Photo credit: Flavio Scorsato.