‘Rise and Grind’ Recap: ‘Cris Cyborg’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Cris Cyborg in ‘Rise and Grind’. (Photo Courtesy of OFTV.)

One thing that fans of sports documentaries can agree upon, is that this particular genre of true storytelling, has become something of an art form really. For they are now quite cinematic in nature and offer up amazing storytelling. The kind where we are privy to every corner and facet of the subject at hand. Allowing for us to walk away from them with an encyclopedia of knowledge about a player we admire or a team that accomplished wonders recently or back in the day. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means, since it speaks to the respect the sports documentary now enjoys and what audiences expect from this type of tale. 
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But there was a time, where sports documentaries were something far different. Where they were in fact, akin to a sizzle reel if you will. Wherein yes, we learned some fast facts… but we also found ourselves walking away from that story with a sense of inspiration, and with a desire to learn more about the subject at hand. Which has its own merit, since there was a real sense of fun that accompanied enjoying a story in that shorter and more succinct vein and well, it just so happens that OFTV is working to bring back that classic documentary, and its unique feel, by way of its new series, Rise and Grind. A feat that this new show accomplishes… by first… offering up far shorter episodes regarding an athlete than we are used to.

For the series premiere runs a brisk twelve minutes and change and well… what makes this new show of note, is that it really makes every single minute count. Which is why ‘Cris Cyborg’ is such a compelling and inspiring tale. Because not only do we get to learn a lot about Cris and her career, more on that in a moment, but we truly see her in action. We are privy to her preparations for an upcoming boxing match that took place late last year, and seeing her put in the work, and buckle down for that fight… her second after switching to boxing from mixed martial arts… just gets your own adrenaline flowing. Because you want to see her succeed and win and you want to get off the couch and grab your own goals. Because if a long-standing MMA champion can switch to boxing no problem, why can’t we make some magic happen in our lives?

Which is what truly brings back that classic documentary feel. Since we are privy to the best moments and the drive and ambition that Cris puts into her work. But there was mention of the fact that there is learning to be found here as well, and that is important to note. Because in that twelve-minute run time… we actually learn quite a bit about Cris and her career in MMA and how she came into it, and what drives her and what pushes her to compete. And that’s the stuff that we tend to see in modern documentaries. Through ‘chapters’ that explore every bit of that in great detail. But here, learning is impactful and direct and deliberate, allowing for us to get what we need while still staying inspired and wowed by Cris’ epic journey here.

All of which makes this… a dynamic, forward thinking documentary series. One that really wants us to enjoy the best of both worlds really. Since the fact hounds get what they need, and those who want to walk away with their heart on fire, are ready to climb a mountain when this premiere comes to a close, and truly… this is a series that leaves you eager for more. Because you’re able to enjoy a complete story in a brief amount of time, the kind you can easily digest and make time for during your busy day, and it will be genuinely interesting to see what other fascinating stories and moments of inspiration await us, as season one of this incredible new show continues along. Until next time. 

See the series premiere of ‘Rise and Grind’ at OFTV, and follow Cris Cyborg’s boxing journey further, check out her Only Fans and Instagram accounts. 

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