Cris Cyborg Reveals What Manny Pacquiao Taught Her

Former UFC star Cris Cyborg revealed the lesson she learned from legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao.

After parting ways with UFC, Cyborg has found a new home in Bellator. The female brawler is currently training for her upcoming debut at the said promotion and stated that she “feels great as she trains with an amazing camp.”

During an intense training session at her own gym, Elie Seckbach of EsNews was able to talk to the Brazilian. And one of the questions Cyborg answered washer experience training with eigh-division title holder Pacquiao.

According to Cyborg, who used to train with Pacquiao in the past, the most valuable lesson she learned from the legend was “focus and discipline,” two traits of Pacquiao which she described as “crazy.”

“It’s crazy. He’s very focused (and) disciplined,” Cyborg said about training with Pacquiao.

The former UFC title contender further explained why discipline is basically what an athlete can learn from Pacquiao. Cyborg believes that with an array of titles and challenges Pacquiao carries with him, the Filipino legend must have perfected how to discipline himself.

“Discipline. You learn discipline. (Pacquiao has) so much titles, so much divisions, for sure you have to have a lot of discipline,” Cyborg explained.

Cyborg’s admiration towards Pacquiao doesn’t end with his accomplishments in sports. In fact, shortly after Pacquiao successfully dismantled Keith Thurman, Cyborg revealed that she has been moved by Pacquiao’s personality in and outside the ring.

According to Cyborg, aside from Muhammad Ali, Pacquiao is also one of the greatest boxers in her eyes. Apparently, Pacquiao not only motivates her in sports but also to become a better human being as well.

“I’m really happy watching him. He fight like young. And this motivates me,” Cyborg said about Pacquiao’s most recent performance against Keith Thurman.

“Humble guy, helping his family, his people. You help the people where you come from that’s the most important (thing),” Cyborg continued.

Cyborg suffered the most devastating loss of her career under the hands of UFC champ Amanda Nunes. Since moving to Bellator, she has been linked to multiple elite female fighters outside UFC including boxing champ Claressa Shields.

When asked about what would be her message to Shields now that the promising boxer is reportedly eyeing a move to MMA, Cyborg had nothing but nice words to say and wanted Shields to learn how to “keep her focus.”

“Clarresa, congratulation, I’m happy for you (and your) third title. Keep working hard, I know you can do MMA but keep your focus (and) train hard,” Cyborg said.