Ronda Rousey broke a couple of records at UFC 184 with her 14-second victory over Cat Zingano. She also strengthened her claim for top honors on the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. But nary a bout can go by for Rousey without the question turning to Cris “Cyborg” Justino.
At the UFC 184 post-fight press conference, both Rousey and UFC President Dana White were repeatedly questioned about a potential superfight between MMA‘s two leading ladies.
In a twist that surprised absolutely nobody, the major issue discussed by White was the weight at which the two could potentially fight. “I’ll say it,” said White, “[Rousey] asks me all the time. ‘I’ll fight her whenever she makes 135’…the champ doesn’t chase other people…you go to the champ.”
Justino, of course, has spent the majority of her career fighting at 145 pounds, competing as a featherweight in EliteXC before graduating to Strikeforce, where she defeated Gina Carano to become the promotion’s first female champion. Today, she is Invicta FC’s top featherweight, with wins over Fiona Muxlow, Marloes Coenen and Charmaine Tweet.
That said, there was an interesting development at the presser. White made no effort to hide the fact that he was avoiding discussion of the relationship between the UFC’s parent company, Zuffa, and Justino.
Brett Okamoto of ESPN reported in January that the organization was pursuing a deal with Justino. Not only that, but Invicta FC (who maintains close ties with the UFC) set up a show headlined by Justino on the Friday before UFC 184, which took place just a few miles away from the Staples Center. When asked about this, White repeatedly told the assembled media to direct questions about that topic to UFC owner Lorenzo Fertitta (who, not coincidentally, was not in attendance for the press conference).
Unfortunately, Rousey‘s future is murky at this time. She revealed at the presser that she would be taking a bit of time off to appear in yet another movie. She refused to say what movie, however, and gave no indication as to when she could potentially re-enter the cage.
In spite of the relatively gloomy outlook, there is most certainly hope that the bout could take place at some point in the future. Invicta President Shannon Knapp flatly stated that Rousey vs. Cyborg was “closer than it ever has been,” and there is little doubt that this would rank among the biggest fights the UFC could potentially make. The fact that Zuffa has been seeking a deal with Justino, and the fact White ducked questions regarding this, only adds fuel to that discussion.
Stick with Bleacher Report for more news on both fighters as it develops.
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