And maybe herself.
Last Saturday night (March 3, 2018) Cris Cyborg proved once again why she is one of the most dominant mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters in history by knocking out Yana Kunitskaya in the very first round at UFC 222.
While Yana hung tough the first few minutes, even securing an early takedown, it was business as usual for Cris as she scored consecutive win number 20 and her second title defense.
With no clear threat for Cyborg at 145 pounds, UFC has often had to convince Bantamweights to make the leap up. Still, no matter how hard UFC looks, Cyborg’s striking coach Jason Parillo told MMA Junkie there isn’t anyone out there who can beat her.
“The person who is going to beat Cris Cyborg is Cris Cyborg, or (she retires),” Parillo said. “Time catches up to all of us. But for the most part, Cris Cyborg, I don’t see it. Amanda Nunes, she doesn’t have a … she has a good style. She’s a good fighter with the way she took out Ronda (Rousey). But she’s got a style that’s absolutely perfect for Cris. Cris is going to fight her fight and go out there and do what she does and get it done.”
UFC president Dana White recently revealed his desire to see his current women’s 135-pound champion Amanda Nunes go up to face Cris, a fight both women have been clamoring for.
While Parillo loves the tailor-made bout, he doesn’t see “Lioness” bringing anything more dangerous to the table than what Holly Holm did.
“The style that I knew would always pose the biggest threat for Cris is something like a Holly Holm. I knew Holly Holm was the toughest fighter out there. Still, to date, I don’t see anyone else out there that’s tougher for her than Holly Holm.”
Indeed, Holm had a few shining moments against Cris back at UFC 219, but Cyborg ultimately did enough to secure a unanimous decision.
With only a few fights left on her contract, it will be interesting to see if Cris re-ups with — UFC who has yet to create a women’s featherweight division — or bolt to Bellator MMA in search of more challenges.