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.
A photo posted by CRISTIANE V JUSTINO 🇧🇷★ (@criscyborg) on