Could a women’s superfight between the UFC’s Ronda Rousey and Invicta FC’s Cristiane Santos take place at 135 pounds before the end of the year?
According to “Cyborg,” that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Check out what the Invicta women’s featherweight champion said in a statement sent to AXS TV’s Inside MMA:
In reference to Ronda’s statement that I am looking for a payday so that I can retire, you’re right, I am looking for a payday to retire you like I did Gina Carano. But to show it’s not only about money, I challenge you to a fight – winner takes all. Or better yet let’s fight for FREE. ANYTIME! ANYWHERE! Ask your daddy Dana to make it happen.
… Now I know critics will say “I thought you said you would die if you made 135.” All I’m promising is that I will give 100 percent to try to get to 135 to make this plan happen. If I do, I will still listen to my doctor’s advice and fight no more than three times at 135: first to win the Invicta belt, the second time to kick your ass and the third time to kick your ass again so that the world can see it wasn’t luck. You can even have me tested every week up to the fight. That way you will not have an excuse after I kick your ass.
Just over a year ago, Santos asked for her release from her Zuffa LLC contract, the parent company of the UFC which also owned the now defunct Strikeforce promotion until it folded last January, after she could not come to terms for a bout with Rousey, per MMA Weekly.
As recently as Monday, Both Rousey and UFC President Dana White expressed a serious disinterest in booking “Rowdy” against her Brazilian counterpart, though neither have ruled the fight out if it occurs at bantamweight, per Fox Sports.
In hopes of facilitating this potential big-money title fight, UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz resigned as Cyborg’s manager shortly after once again getting called out by White.
White and Rousey have also been very critical of Santos’ failed post-fight drug test in December 2011 for the anabolic steroid stanozolol, per MMA Junkie.
While critics have often accused Santos of using performance-enhancing drugs on a regular basis throughout her nearly nine-year career due to her blistering knockout power and muscular physique, this was the only instance of her failing a drug test.
Cyborg is expected to defend her belt next month against either Ediane Gomez or Julianna Budd, while Rousey puts her strap on the line against Sara McMann Saturday evening in the main event of UFC 170.
Should Santos somehow mange to cut down to 135 pounds, will fight fans really be gifted with the opportunity to see a superfight with Rousey before the end of the year?
John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.
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