Cris Cyborg vs. Ketlen Vieira becomes catchweight bout after weight miss

The PFL Tampa main event between Cris Cyborg and Ketlen Vieira has been changed to a catchweight bout after Vieira missed the featherweight limit by 7.2 pounds. While Cyborg successfully weighed in at 145.0 lbs, Vieira tipped the scales at 152.2 lbs.

As a result of the miss, the fight will no longer be for the PFL Women’s Featherweight Championship. Vieira is ineligible to win the title, though Cyborg has stated she will still fight to defend her belt, meaning the title remains at stake for her but not for her opponent. The bout will proceed at a catchweight, and Vieira is expected to forfeit a portion of her purse as a penalty.

Vieira attributed the significant weight miss to sudden and severe health issues, including intense kidney and stomach pain experienced the night before the weigh-in. Cyborg expressed surprise at the margin of the miss but agreed to the catchweight to ensure the fight proceeds. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.