As long as the fighter is licensed by a commission, Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos is willing to step into the cage against anyone, including male-to-female transgender fighter Fallon Fox.
The former Strikeforce women’s featherweight champ recently spoke with Josh Gross of ESPN.com about the controversy surrounding Fox’s quest to become a licensed female fighter.
She wants to be a girl. I don’t agree. I think you’re born a girl, you’re a girl. You’re born a guy, you’re a guy. But I don’t choose opponents. The commission needs to check and make sure she doesn’t have testosterone.
In a story broken by Loretta Hunt, Fox revealed to Sports Illustrated she had undergone sex reassignment surgery back in 2006, which also included supplemental hormonal therapy.
The fallout from the story has included a heated debate involving the ethical standards set by the sport. During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, UFC commentator Joe Rogan argues that while Fox has undergone the necessary surgical augmentations, she still has the bone density and physical makeup of a man.
Former Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champ Miesha Tate told ESPN.com she wouldn’t fight Fox based on fears and questions involving her own personal safety.
Cyborg, on the other hand, has no qualms about fighting Fox, as long as she passes the necessary requirements for licensure.
Even though she was born a woman, Cyborg can relate to some of the cruelties faced by Fox in the media and amongst MMA fans.
People tell me on Twitter: ‘I think you have a d—.’ A lot of bad things, they say. I think people have a small mind. They don’t think a girl can punch hard like a man. I think people are ignorant. People are stupid. I don’t want to be the same as people who do that.
…I’m not going to judge other people. If the commission says she can fight, why not?
If the Nevada State Athletic Commission approves her application, Fox will be able to resume her fighting career. Her professional record currently stands at 2-0, with both wins coming by first-round stoppages.
On April 5, Cyborg is scheduled to make her debut in Invicta FC against Fiona Muxlow, a late replacement for an injured Ediane Gomes.
It’ll be interesting to see if Invicta makes a play for Fox’s contract somewhere down the line in an attempt to pair her with Cyborg.
If anything, the bout would certainly draw a lot of attention.
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