Although the story going around some MMA circles is that Holly Holm turned down a fight against Cris Cyborg at UFC 198 in Curitiba, Brazil this past weekend, “The Preacher’s Daughter” is claiming that is not the case.
Holm spoke with Dave Ross of 120 Sports this week and said the reason she didn’t take the fight against Cyborg at UFC 198 was due to a timing issue. As Holm explained, she was still hoping to secure an immediate title rematch against Miesha Tate.
“I was just kind of holding on to see if I could get the rematch for the belt,” Holm said. … “I’m not against fighting Cyborg. It just didn’t seem like the right time.”
Holm continued, explaining that the 135 pound or 140 pound weight class is not an issue with her like it appears to be with several of the other bantamweight contenders in the UFC women’s division. As Holm explains, she’ll fight Cyborg at 135 or 140 pounds.
“I’m not even stuck on the 135 compared to the 140 stuff,” Holm said. “It’s not really a big thing for me.”
“In boxing, I fought in three weight classes,” Holm said. “I’m not gonna say that I’m against going at 140. I actually think Cyborg might able to do 135. Who knows? But that’s definitely something that could be an option for the future. I’m actually really happy for her victory. I really like Cyborg. I think she’s a great gal.”
H/T to MMAFighting.com