Dubai: When Sarah Collins began her mixed martial arts career in 2019, the hope of stepping into the cage against Cris Cyborg seemed like an impossible dream, so much so that it became a punchline.
“We used to joke about it all the time in the gym,” Collins said. “We’d say, ‘Come on, we’re training to fight and beat Cris Cyborg one day,’ and I’d say, ‘Yeah, yeah, ha ha ha, that’s never going to happen.'”
Six years later, Collins is doing what was once an inside joke in the gym in just a few days. The former judoka turned undefeated mixed martial artist will face the women’s MMA icon for the PFL Women’s Featherweight Championship this coming Saturday, December 13, at PFL Lyon at the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France.
“Of course, I think whoever fights Cyborg, it’s the biggest fight of their career,” said the 6-0 Collins, who understands the significance of the upcoming challenge. Perhaps what makes this opportunity even sweeter is that she herself campaigned for this matchup almost a year ago.
“I asked for this fight a year ago, and I’m so happy it’s finally happening,” the Australian said. “I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time, and yes, I’m really excited for this opportunity. I’m leaving no stone unturned. I’m taking this opportunity with everything I’ve got, and I’m really going to make the most of it.”
Grappling is Collins’ strong suit, but against Cyborg, she’ll face one of the most dangerous strikers not just in the women’s division, but in MMA. In her 28 career fights, Cyborg has won 21 by KO or TKO, and Collins is certainly taking that into account when it comes to her preparations.
“Well, I’m definitely working on keeping my hands higher, but other than that, we’ve kept my fight preparation the same as every other fight,” Collins said, adding that the only difference so far is that this time, she’ll be competing in a five-rounder.
“It’s a little tougher, just because we’re potentially fighting for five rounds, so the cardio and fitness side has been longer, the rounds have been longer, and more intense, but other than that, we’ve kept it the same as all my other fights.”
More than just facing a legend like Cyborg, Collins also has the chance to take home some gold medals.
“To be honest, sometimes I forget it’s for a world title because I’m just focused on fighting Cris Cyborg,” Collins said. “She’s at the forefront of my focus, and then at the end of the day, when I win, I get to take home a shiny belt as a reward. But really, my focus is just on fighting Cris, but it’s great to have the world title that comes with it.”
While it won’t be an easy task—Cyborg has won her last eight fights—Collins anticipates it will be a fight fans won’t want to miss.
“I think it’ll be a fast, exciting fight,” Collins said. “One of us will win in the first or second round.”
Collins vs. Cyborg will be the co-main event on a packed PFL Lyon card, which will also feature the PFL Heavyweight World Championship bout between Vadim Nemkov and Renan Ferreira. The card will see Patrick Habiroura face Kevin Jousset in a welterweight bout, while Taylor Lapilus will face Liam Gittins in a bantamweight matchup.
