Cheyanne Vlismas, seasoned UFC fighter, declares her retirement from mixed martial arts

When Cheyanne Vlismas dropped the bombshell on social media declaring her retirement from MMA, the UFC world didn’t just get a routine announcement—it got a gut punch wrapped in honesty and heart. “The Warrior Princess,” known for her gritty fights inside the octagon, bowed out with a solid 7-3 professional record, having tasted the highs and lows that only true fighters know. After striking a contract with the UFC from the Contender Series thanks to a unanimous decision victory over Hilarie Rose, Vlismas fought four times in the octagon with a 2-2 split, displaying flashes of brilliance and that relentless warrior spirit.

But let’s not kid ourselves—retirement in MMA isn’t just about calling it quits on throwing punches and takedowns. For Vlismas, it was a brutally honest reckoning with life’s priorities. Having welcomed her second child, the cage just couldn’t compete with motherhood’s heavyweight demands. She put it plainly: juggling training camps that soak up months of your time while trying to be the kind of parent she never had was a dealbreaker. With all the hats she’s worn—fighter, mom, warrior—her final decision wasn’t about defeat but about choosing what matters in what promises to be an epic, new chapter.

This announcement kisses the UFC community’s raw nerve because it reflects a struggle many fighters face but seldom confess publicly. The fight game is loud and proud, but behind those shiny Reebok and Venum outfits, there’s a vulnerable soul balancing passion and sacrifice. Vlismas’ story is a reminder that the sport celebrates more than just highlight reels—it honors heart. And as we reflect on her career, her grit and grace leave a legacy anyone who’s ever lace-up gloves can respect.

Cheyanne Vlismas UFC Career Recap: From Contender Series to Final Bell

Cheyanne Vlismas didn’t just stroll into the UFC; she earned her spot scraping and sweating through the Contender Series. Back in August 2020, she clinched her golden ticket with a unanimous decision against Hilarie Rose, a showcase that screamed “Next-level fighter.” The fight game isn’t a cakewalk, and Vlismas made it clear she wasn’t there for a joyride.

Her UFC tenure was a rollercoaster. Debuting against Montserrat Conejo Ruiz, Vlismas hit a speed bump with a decision loss—a stark reminder that the octagon doesn’t give freebies. Yet she bounced back with vigor, clocking in wins over Gloria de Paula and Mallory Martin. Those fights proved she wasn’t just punching numbers but crafting a narrative of determination and skill.

Here’s the kicker: her pro record stands at 7 wins and 3 losses. That isn’t just a score; it’s a statement about her balance between high fight IQ and warrior tenacity. Let’s break down what made Vlismas a fighter worth watching in the UFC ecosystem:

• Versatile striking: Vlismas wielded her hands with a precision flirted with danger, a threat you couldn’t ignore when Venum gloves slammed against opponents.
• Resilient grappling: Her ground game might not have broken records, but it was solid as under Armour gear—dependable and effective under pressure.
• Fight IQ: She danced around the cage with the tactical mind of a chess grandmaster, even if sometimes her cardio was more “blink and you miss it.”
• Fan connection: Known for her fire and personality, Vlismas wasn’t just fighting for herself but for the fans that cheered under the bright UFC lights.

Fight Date	Opponent	Result	Event	Method
Aug 2020	Hilarie Rose	Win	DWCS Week 3	Unanimous Decision
Mar 2021	Montserrat Conejo Ruiz	Loss	UFC Fight Night	Decision
Sep 2021	Gloria de Paula	Win	UFC Event	Decision
Mar 2022	Mallory Martin	Win	UFC Event	Decision
Dec 2022	Cory McKenna	Loss	UFC Vegas 66	Decision

Balancing Motherhood and MMA: Why Cheyanne Vlismas Chose To Retire

Now, here comes the part where the gloves come off, and the real fight begins—outside the cage. Cheyanne Vlismas’ decision to retire isn’t your classic career finish. It’s a moment soaked in reality, where the daily juggle of motherhood met brutal cage demands and one had to give way.

Imagine this: training camps that stretch over two months, packed with sweat, sacrifice, and sleep deprivation, clashing head-on with baby bottles, lullabies, and tantrums. The question she faced was raw yet relatable: could she leave her kids to chase the UFC dream? Her answer was a rock-solid no, choosing instead to be the mother she wishes she had growing up.

This decision punched straight through the usual fighter bravado because it tackled a truth fighters rarely shout from the octagon ropes. Yes, MMA fighters are warriors, but they’re also humans—juggling dreams, families, and sometimes impossible demands.

• Time-starved parenting: Training camps consume hours that could otherwise be bedtime stories or family dinners.
• Physical toll: Pregnancy and childbirth demand recovery, making the Everlast grind a whole lot harder.
• Emotional battle: Wrestling with ambition versus family love is a fight bigger than any UFC bout.
• Role model pressure: Choosing to prioritize her kids sends a powerful message beyond the fight world.

Challenge	Impact on MMA Career	Motherhood Consideration
Training Time	High – Requires 2+ months per camp	Limited – Time away from children
Physical Condition	Peak – Needs optimal fitness	Postpartum Recovery
Emotional Focus	High – Mental toughness required	Divided – Emotional pull towards family

Vlismas’ retirement goes beyond just hanging up gloves with Reebok or swapping oils on Venum gear; it’s about choosing heart over hype. She’s made the toughest call in a world where fighting often divorces family life, reminding us that sometimes the greatest battles are won in the quiet chaos of everyday life.

The Legacy of ‘The Warrior Princess’: Cheyanne Vlismas’ Impact on Women’s MMA

If the UFC is a kingdom, then Cheyanne Vlismas played the part of a Warrior Princess fiercely and with guts. Beyond records and decisions, her contributions to the women’s strawweight division highlight a career etched with persistence, heart, and those moments that made fans sit up and say, “She’s the real deal.”

Cheyanne’s story inspires fighters not only to knock opponents but knock down barriers. Her journey from Legacy Fighting Alliance victory to the bright lights of the UFC was a testament to the relentless grind it takes to survive and thrive. Her bouts weren’t just fights—they were lessons in courage for every up-and-comer chilling in the gym, dreaming big.

• Role model for resilience: Her ups and downs embody the real fight game.
• Technical growth: Marked improvement from her early days in grappling and striking.
• Fan engagement: Cheyanne connected with fans beyond fights, sharing struggles that made her relatable.
• Paving the way: Helped fuel the rise of women’s divisions, encouraging young talents.

Year	Milestone	Impact on Women’s MMA
2018	Pro debut with LFA 35, TKO over Karla Hernandez	Showcased potential in a tough regional circuit
2020	UFC contract via DWCS win	Confirmed legitimacy on biggest stage
2022	Final UFC fight	Left a legacy that fighters aspire to emulate

Whether she’s suiting up in Nike shorts or rocking Adidas gear in the octagon, Vlismas’ legacy digs deeper than sponsorships or fight stats. She represents the unfiltered heart of women’s MMA, a pathbreaker who gave everything—even when it cost her dearly. She might be done throwing elbows in the cage, but her story punches above her weight in the legacy books.

What Fighters Can Learn from Vlismas’ Retirement Talks: Real Talk on Career and Family

Retirement in MMA often gets treated like a magic switch—one day you’re a fighter, the next, you’re not. Vlismas’ exit throws down a gauntlet for other fighters and analysts to stop sugarcoating the emotional and practical realities that come with the decision. Her words cut through the usual “I’m not closing the door” rhetoric and spit out the honest truth: sometimes love for your kids wins over love for the fight.

Her story is a master class in transparency and real-world choices. If we break down what fighters can actually learn from her, it goes beyond physical training or fight IQ. It’s about life balance, managing expectations, and knowing your worth beyond the cage. A few takeaways that pack a punch:

• Prioritize mental health: Recognize when the fight starts eating your soul.
• Family commitment: Your best performance won’t mean a thing if your heart’s elsewhere.
• Plan beyond fighting: Build skills and passion that don’t live inside eleven rounds of cage combat.
• Communicate openly: Being real with fans and yourself creates respect and support.

Lesson	Application for Fighters	Long-Term Benefit
Mental Health Prioritization	Self-awareness and rest	Longevity in and out of the cage
Family Balance	Time management and presence	Emotional fulfillment beyond fighting
Career Planning	Skills diversification	Identity beyond MMA
Open Communication	Fan engagement	Stronger personal brand and support

Vlismas may have stepped off the UFC octagon, but her retirement statement resonates like a campfire story MMA fans and fighters will keep telling. For those hungry to lace up gloves again, take note: fighting is brutal, but sometimes the greatest knockout comes from knowing when to walk away with head held high. If you want to dive deeper into the drama of MMA retirements, check out this intense look at Cormier and Makhachev or Poirier’s final dance scenario.

Cheyanne Vlismas’ Retirement in the Wider MMA Landscape

Retirements in MMA can be as predictable as a Hayabusa strike and as painful as a shredded Title Boxing glove hitting a jaw. Vlismas stepping away adds fuel to the chat about fighter longevity, life outside the cage, and the unique hurdles women face balancing motherhood and fighting careers.

Her exit isn’t solo—it’s part of a growing narrative where fighters like José Aldo pursue boxing ambitions after a legendary UFC run, or UFC legends who’ve made retirement “never again” claims that didn’t always stick around the corner. The sport evolves, and so do the stories.

• Fighter lifespan: The physical and emotional burnouts are real, no matter how much Nike or Lotto gear you rock.
• Women in MMA: The dual role of mother-warrior introduces complex decisions unheard of in men’s divisions.
• Return waves: Some leave only to circle back hungry, others find peace outside the cage.
• Fan dynamics: Retirements impact followings, event storylines, and even promotional marketing.

Fighter	Retirement Reason	Career Impact	Notable Post-Retirement Activity
Cheyanne Vlismas	Motherhood and family priorities	Early retirement with legacy in women’s strawweight	Focus on parenting
José Aldo	Transition to boxing ambitions	Shift in combat sports career	Active in boxing circuits
Daniel Cormier	Physical wear and mental readiness	Retired UFC legend	Commentary and mentorship
Dustin Poirier	Career continuation or sunset talk	Active but considering future	Fan engagement and philanthropy

For fight fans wanting a backstage pass to the realities of fighter retirement, this piece on MMA legends and influencer knockouts offers deep dives into what it takes to step away from the cage. Vlismas may have left the UFC octagon, but her story layers into the sport’s rich tapestry—a tapestry woven with grit, glamour, and some serious Reebok sweat.