Cris “Cyborg” Justino’s Octagon debut is now set, as the reigning Invicta FC champion meets Leslie Smith at UFC 198.
The bout will be part of the May event from Brazil that features a headline bout between Fabricio Werdum and Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight title. It will be contested at a catchweight of 140 pounds.
Justino (15-1) has been pushing hard for a chance to compete in the UFC, but by being a featherweight, she was without a weight class. The former Strikeforce champion will be cutting weight for the contest.
Following the demise of Strikeforce when it was consumed under the Zuffa umbrella, Justino and her management firm – led by Tito Ortiz – went to work on a contract with the UFC. When they were unable to reach an agreement, the Brazilian opted to sign with Invicta FC. Recently, the UFC added Invicta FC to UFC Fight Pass, allowing Justino to shine on the all-digital network.
All nine of her most recent victories have been finishes, including wins over Gina Carano, Marloes Coenen and Charmaine Tweet.
Smith (8-6-1) evened her Octagon mark to 2-2 with a recent victory over Rin Nakai. The 33-year-old former Invicta FC fighter also finished Jessamyn Duke
Along with those two bouts, Vitor Belfort meets Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, Uriah Hall squares off with former UFC champion Anderson Silva and Corey Anderson battles Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.
The event is set for May 14 from inside the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil.