UFC and Invicta FC promotional brass held a special conference call Thursday to discuss the promotion’s future, but one of the most interesting notes was the confirmation that Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino was in the process of moving down to 135 pounds.
Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp opened up on that statement shortly after in an interview with MMAJunkie.com‘s Steven Marrocco, stating the promotion was targeting a bantamweight fight for Cyborg in December at Invicta FC 10.
While Knapp wouldn’t name an opponent, the promotion has several options for Cyborg, most notably Ediane Gomes, whom she was previously rumored to face last month. Gomes is currently tapped to face Tonya Evinger at Invicta FC 8, but should she win, she would be an ideal foe for Justino to test the waters against.
Justino has long been considered the greatest possible challenge (and, as such, most strongly desired opponent) for UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. Rousey has demolished the competition at 135 pounds, while Justino has been equally dominant at 145 pounds, but concerns regarding a weight cut down to 135 pounds possibly leading to infertility or death have long cast doubt on the chances of the bout coming to pass.
That said, since Cyborg parted ways with her former manager, ex-UFC champion and current Bellator light heavyweight Tito Ortiz, she has been softening up more and more regarding a drop to 135 pounds.
Should she make the 135-pound weight limit and keep up her winning ways, the UFC will almost certainly try and make a Rousey vs. Cyborg fight a reality. If not, Knapp said that a second 135-pound fight for Justino in late winter or early spring 2015 was possible.
In addition to the news that Cyborg will be making her bantamweight debut at Invicta FC 10, Invicta fans should take note that, after a long lull, the all-women promotion is poised to put together three more cards before year’s end. Stick with Bleacher Report for more details as they become available.
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