Cris Cyborg Becomes United States Citizen

Earlier today in a ceremony in Los Angeles Cristiane Justino, more commonly known as “Cris Cyborg” or simply “Cyborg” became a U.S. citizen during a naturalization ceremony Tuesday.

Cris, who said she added Cyborg as her middle name on naturalization papers, highlighted how coming to the United States has changed her life.

“The first time I went to America, I had the opportunity to fight here and people really appreciate my work and appreciate my sport,” Cyborg told CBS Los Angeles.

“It’s an opportunity for me (to) give back for the American community what they give to me. I can vote. I can participate more,” she continued.

Cyborg first ventured to the United States in 2008 on a work visa for competitive athletes and later applied for her green card. December of 2015 she filed her naturalization application.

Since her 2005 professional MMA debut Cyborg has amassed a 17-1 record winning championships in both Strikeforce and Invicta. She made her UFC debut earlier this year and has gone 2-0 in the UFC Octagon.

Originally from Brazil, now a #newUScitizen! Congrats me @criscyborg and my Team. My Amazing Lawyer @richardmwilner Karin Ikeda and my manager George Prajin Origem Brasil e agora uma cidadã Americana! #criscyborg

A photo posted by CRISTIANE V JUSTINO 🇧🇷★ (@criscyborg) on Dec 13, 2016 at 10:34am PST

Today’s ceremonial naturalization ceremony and the becoming of an American citizen was the result of many little goals that grew into life changing opportunities and a responsibility to continue being involved in the community I live. I am a proud Brazilian and share my culture all over the world, but today I can officially call myself a Brazilian American and am proud of the result of all the hard work and learning opportunities I’ve had over the past 8 years in the USA. #newuscitizen 🇧🇷🇧🇷 Cerimônia de naturalização cerimônia de hoje eo tornar-se de um cidadão americano foi o resultado de muitos pequenos objetivos que cresceram em oportunidades de mudança de vida e uma responsabilidade de continuar a ser envolvidos na comunidade que eu vivo. Sou um brasileiro orgulhoso e compartilho minha cultura em todo o mundo, mas hoje posso me chamar oficialmente brasileira americana e estou orgulhoso do resultado de todo o trabalho duro e oportunidades de aprendizado que tive nos últimos 8 anos nos EUA . #newuscitizen

A video posted by CRISTIANE V JUSTINO 🇧🇷★ (@criscyborg) on Dec 13, 2016 at 1:46pm PST