Cyborg to make UFC debut
Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino will fight Leslie Smith at UFC 198 in a 140lb. catchweight bout.
It was recently announced that one of the best women fighters in the history of MMA is finally set to make her Octagon debut. Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino will fight Leslie Smith at UFC 198 in a 140lb. catchweight bout.
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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.
https://twitter.com/danawhite/status/714510725029343233
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.
https://twitter.com/danawhite/status/714512935150682112https://twitter.com/LeslieSmith_GF/status/714607528374480896
When Twitter reacted, it was positive, largely.
https://twitter.com/julesk_fighter/status/714515829367255041https://twitter.com/BrianStann/status/714524111956025349https://twitter.com/iamgirlrilla/status/714658357580341248https://twitter.com/jessicaevileye/status/714498479175774208
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.
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