White: Smith was only one that wanted Cyborg fight
UFC president Dana White explained that definition-of-game Leslie Smith was the only one that wanted to fight Cris Cyborg, and begged for it.
Invicta FC featherweight champion Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino is signed with the UFC, not Invicta. The UFC’s plan was to have Cyborg drop weight over time to challenge then undefeated and seemingly undefeatable champion Ronda Rousey.
Things changed. Rousey lost, removing the need for a credible challenger. And Cyborg determined a cut to 135 was not feasible.
Then the UFC announced a card in Cyborg’s hometown of Curitiba, Brazil. The fighter lobbied hard to get on, and eventually a fight was made.
Cris Cyborg will make her UFC debut against Leslie Smith at #UFC198 in Brazil on May 14 at 140 catchweight pic.twitter.com/xwctFX9wUk
— danawhite (@danawhite) March 28, 2016
When it was announced that Leslie Smith was the opponent, there was some grumbling that the UFC was trying to give Cyborg an easy fight to showcase her skills.
However, UFC president Dana White offered a simpler explanation.
@xSAVExHARLEYx she is the only one that wanted to fight Cyborg. Leslie begged for it. #respect @LeslieSmith_GF
— danawhite (@danawhite) March 28, 2016
The biggest non-title UFC fight for women ever.. Biggest opportunity of my career. Hell yeah I wanted this fight! https://t.co/FPQJWSCHWU
— Leslie Smith (@LeslieSmith_GF) March 29, 2016
When Twitter reacted, it was positive, largely.
https://twitter.com/julesk_fighter/status/714515829367255041https://twitter.com/BrianStann/status/714524111956025349
Wow @LeslieSmith_GF is gangster! #heckyeah
— LIZ CARMOUCHE (@iamgirlrilla) March 29, 2016
This is a joke right ? https://t.co/96ieNs33uD
— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) March 28, 2016
Cris Cyborg fights Leslie Smith at a catchweight of 140 lbs at UFC 198 on May 14, 2016 at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil.?