A huge women’s fight is in talks, and it does not involve UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey at all.
According to MMAFighting’s Ariel Helwani, a showdown between two feared strikers in Holly Holm and Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos is being discussed by Holm’s camp.
Holm’s coach, Mike Winklejohn, told MMAfighting that preliminary negotiations have begun for a Holm vs. Cyborg pay-per-view fight if their camp cannot come to terms with the UFC.
Holm’s management recently met with UFC President Dana White, and the UFC executive reportedly expressed no interest in signing the standout female fighter. If the two sides cannot negotiate a deal which satisfies both sides, Holm vs. Cyborg may occur outside of the UFC’s legendary Octagon.
Winklejohn said that this matchup does not have to take place on the MMA‘s biggest stage to succeed. The name value alone would plant butts in seats and sell tickets.
“Why do you think people tune in to boxing?” Winklejohn said. “Names. Not because Bob Arum or Don King was throwing a fight; it was all because [Mike] Tyson was fighting.”
Winklejohn appears to be dead on in that sentiment, as Holm vs. Cyborg is unquestionably the biggest “striker vs. striker” matchup possible given the current landscape of female fighting.
Cyborg recently lost a professional Muay Thai bout to Jorina Baars at Lion Fight 14, but the Brazilian powerhouse showcased a ton of heart and resolve against a superior opponent, capturing fans’ fascination in the process.
Holm, on the other hand, will fight Juliana Werner at Legacy FC 30 April 4 for the promotion’s bantamweight title.
Holm is undefeated in professional mixed martial arts action and is an 18-time world champion boxer in three different weight classes, boasting a 33-2-3 overall record inside the ring.
While a potential showdown between Holm and Cyborg is far from finalized, the preliminary talks are certainly exciting for fans of women’s combat sports.
Who do you think would take a fight between these two experts in the art of violence?
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