We could be getting the big fight that we've been wanting in women's MMA after all.
Ever since Cristiane Justino, or Cyborg, signed with the UFC it has seemed like it was a matter of time before she had a superfight with Ronda Rousey. There were discussions, but ultimately it didn't work out - and Rousey fought Holly Holm instead.
That fight didn't really work out for Rousey, who unexpectedly lost and hasn't returned since. Cyborg made her UFC debut at UFC 198, and will be headlining at UFC Fight Night 95 this weekend. It's rare that someone would be a headliner in just their second fight in the promotion - but White has a plan:
Cyborg is a huge star in the sport of mixed martial arts and in women's MMA. She mows people over very quickly and very violently. People are waiting to see her get challenged, and we're trying to challenge her.
The dream fight for Cyborg is obviously the Ronda Rousey fight, but there's other big names out there like Miesha Tate, Holly Holm and possibly — and I know Brazilians don't like seeing Brazilians fight — but possibly Amanda Nunes.
Of course, there are difficulties. Cyborg is normally a featherweight - but the UFC doesn't have a 145 pound division for women. Both of her fights in the UFC - the one at UFC 198, and the upcoming one this weekend will be at a catchweight of 140. Cyborg has said that she won't be able to make 135 pounds - which is where the leading lights of female UFC fight at - including Rousey:
I think in a perfect world, what everybody would love to see is Ronda vs. Cyborg, so everybody is waiting — I'm sure Cyborg is, too — is the return of Ronda Rousey. When she does return, I'm sure [Rousey is] gonna want to fight for the title, probably defend it and then maybe fight Cyborg. I don't know.
Could it happen? Hopefully.
