UFC’s Cheyanne “The Warrior Princess” Vlismas Announces Surprise Retirement

The UFC strawweight division just lost one of its most promising talents. Cheyanne “The Warrior Princess” Vlismas, formerly known as Cheyanne Buys, has officially hung up her gloves, announcing her retirement from mixed martial arts last week.

At just 28 years old, Vlismas steps away from the sport with a professional record of 8-2, including a 2-1 run inside the UFC’s Octagon.

From Contender Series Success to UFC Career

I’ve followed Vlismas since her appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020, where she impressed UFC brass with her technical striking and fierce determination. Though she stumbled in her promotional debut against Montserrat Ruiz in March 2021, Vlismas quickly bounced back with two impressive performances.

Her UFC highlight reel includes a spectacular head kick knockout of Gloria de Paula in July 2021, which earned her a Performance of the Night bonus. She followed that up with a unanimous decision victory over Mallory Martin in December of the same year.

Why Is “The Warrior Princess” Walking Away?

Vlismas hasn’t competed since December 2021, with her extended absence from competition raising questions among fans. While she hasn’t explicitly detailed all the reasons behind her retirement, her career has been complicated by personal matters that became public following her last fight.

The fighter had been married to fellow UFC athlete JP Buys, but the couple separated in 2021. Vlismas later revealed she had moved to an undisclosed location outside the United States, citing “personal reasons” that prevented her from competing.

The Untold Challenges of Women in MMA

Female fighters often face unique challenges in their careers. Many, like Vlismas, must balance athletic aspirations with personal life complications and financial realities in a sport that can be particularly unforgiving to those outside the highest ranks.

While we don’t know all the details of her decision, retirement at 28 suggests there were significant factors beyond just competitive considerations.

What Could Have Been

What makes this retirement particularly surprising is that Vlismas was seemingly just hitting her stride in the UFC. With exceptional striking skills, marketable personality, and a fan-friendly fighting style, many believed she had the potential to climb into the strawweight division’s rankings.

The timing is especially unfortunate as the UFC’s strawweight division continues to evolve. With champion Zhang Weili looking for fresh challengers and the division more competitive than ever, Vlismas could have potentially worked her way into some meaningful fights.

Vlismas By The Numbers

What’s Next for “The Warrior Princess”?

While Vlismas hasn’t shared specific plans for her post-fighting career, her athletic background and knowledge of the sport could open doors in coaching, commentary, or other MMA-adjacent fields.

Many fighters have successfully transitioned to new careers after hanging up their gloves. Given her charisma and fighting knowledge, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vlismas remain connected to the sport in some capacity.

The Legacy of a Brief but Memorable UFC Run

Though her UFC tenure was brief, Vlismas leaves behind memorable performances that showcased her potential. That head kick knockout of de Paula will live on in highlight reels, serving as a reminder of what made her an exciting prospect.

Sometimes the fighters with the shortest careers leave us wondering “what if?” the most. For fans of “The Warrior Princess,” her departure creates one of those bittersweet MMA moments where we’re left to imagine what could have been.

Your Thoughts?

Were you surprised by Vlismas’s retirement? What do you think was her best performance in the UFC? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

We wish Cheyanne all the best in whatever comes next in her journey beyond the octagon.

Source: Vox