At long last, Cris “Cyborg” Justino is a UFC fighter. According to UFC.com, the former Strikeforce and current Invicta FC featherweight champion will be called up to the main roster for a bout at UFC 198 in her hometown of Curitiba, Brazil.
Her opponent? Invicta FC alum and four-fight UFC veteran Leslie Smith.
BREAKING: @criscyborg makes her UFC debut at #UFC198 facing @Lesliesmith_GF.
📃 https://t.co/c51CoMNF74 pic.twitter.com/25sR3BJb1F— UFC (@ufc) March 28, 2016
Cyborg has long been a dream fighter for MMA fans. The greatest power puncher in women’s MMA, Justino has been trapped outside the UFC for years due to the promotion’s refusal to accommodate a run at 145 pounds.
It’s unknown whether Cyborg will become a permanent member of the UFC or if this is a one-off fight. It’s worth noting the fight is currently scheduled to take place at 140 pounds, which would suggest the UFC is still reluctant to establish a 145-pound division around her.
Either way, this is an incredibly interesting development for the UFC’s women’s divisions. Keep an eye for more news as it breaks.
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