UNCASVILLE, Conn. – May 17, 2006: That’s the date on which Cris Cyborg made her professional MMA debut.

This past Monday marked the 16th anniversary of that fight. Twenty-four professional fights later, Cyborg (23-2 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) continues to roll.

As she enters his Bellator 259 main event against Leslie Smith, which takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena, Cyborg is well aware of the date and its meaning. Her team has already cranked out the t-shirts, in fact.

“It feels like just yesterday I started,” Cyborg told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “(Time) moves so fast. … I feel very blessed for these 16 years of success. I’ve held four world titles. For me, I’m just thankful.”

How has Cyborg absorbed a decade of kicks, punches, knees, and submissions and come out relatively unscathed, still able to compete? The Bellator women’s featherweight champion pointed to her passion for the sport.

“I work hard, but if you love something you do and you love your work, you can do 16 years or more,” Cyborg said.

Even after all these years, there is no motivation lacking for Cyborg. In fact, she likes sitting atop a storied career because it feels like she simply doesn’t have anything else to prove. She’s accomplished so much in her career and can still build on her legacy by leading by example inside and outside the cage.

“There’s no pressure,” Cyborg said. “I like to fight for my fans, to be an example for everyone, continue to improve women’s MMA and to do my missionary work. I feel great. I feel every day is new. I’m excited for Bellator. It makes a fire in my heart. I’m excited to just enjoy the moment.”

For someone like Cyborg, who has been largely dominant for much of her career, it’s not out of the ordinary that she might cross the same opponent twice. That’s the case with her upcoming fight against Smith (12-8-1 MMA, 2-1 BMMA), who she finished with strikes in 81 seconds at UFC 198 in 2016.

“I feel like the energy is different (this time) because I was doing the catchweight when we fought,” Cyborg said. “Now, I think it’s different. We fight in a real division at 145 pounds. I’m happy. Five years ago, it’s for sure different. I’m a different fighter (and) a different person than I was five years ago. (I) get better and improve every day.”

Bellator 259 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card airs on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.