What could be the biggest fight in women’s MMA history isn’t dead yet.
After former Strikeforce and current Invicta FC featherweight champion Cris Cyborg announced she had permanently abandoned all attempts to move to 135 pounds to face UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, new negotiations are breathing life back into the bout.
According to ESPN’s Brett Okomoto, UFC parent company Zuffa has been working with Cyborg’s representatives for the past two weeks.
UFC CEO Lorenzo Feritta tells ESPN the sides are looking to strike a deal which would keep the Brazilian signed to Invicta FC, allowing both sides the flexibility to book a potential fight with Rousey.
Invicta FC, of course, has close ties with Zuffa and airs its events live on UFC Fight Pass.
Cyborg, who hasn’t competed in MMA since becoming the Invicta featherweight champion in July, 2013, only has one fight remaining on her current deal.
“We certainly have an interest in Cyborg fighting for us,” Fertitta said. “We feel that down the road, there is a possibility of a big fight between her and Ronda, but there are still a lot of things that need to happen.
“She needs to prove she can get down to 135 pounds before we would take the risk of making that fight happen. Obviously, if she came over and didn’t make the weight, it would be a disaster.”
While Cyborg has campaigned in the past to face Rousey at a catchweight of 140 pounds, Fertitta maintains an unwavering stance that the bout must take place at bantamweight.
“I feel fairly positive if Cyborg can get to 135 pounds, we will be able to make that fight,” Fertitta said. “[The Rousey fight] has to happen at 135 pounds.”
5 MUST-READ STORIES
‘Big business.’ Conor McGregor scores a major payday to lead the payroll from UFC Fight Night: Boston.
Numbers. Dave Meltzer explains why the ratings from Conor McGregor’s fight Sunday prove he’s not just a star in Europe.
Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas discusses the rise of Conor McGregor, the returns of Mirko CroCop and Kimbo Slice, previews UFC on FOX 14 and more in this week’s live chat.
‘We’ve got to build from the ground up.’ Bellator president Scott Coker opens up about Japanese MMA, CM Punk, Brooks vs. Aoki, MMA free agency and more.
‘Stranger things have happened.’ After his post-fight callout, Phil Davis says he still wants a fight against Anderson Silva.
MEDIA STEW
UFC on FOX 14 media day highlights.
This week’s UFC rankings report.
Anthony Johnson says Jon Jones wasn’t punished enough for failed drug test.
Highlights from Bellator 132 plus Kimbo Slice’s interview with Jimmy Smith.
Pros pick Gustafsson vs. Rumble.
Dave Herman’s wife films him being tased while being arrested.
Long watches.
UFC on Fox: Gustafsson vs Johnson Care/Don’t Care Preview
…
TWEETS
Congrats.
To the numbers!! pic.twitter.com/tJCdGZIciQ
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 22, 2015
So yea.
New Post From My Blog – Cris Cyborg to the UFC? “Cris Cyborg to the UFC? http://t.co/HWgTtJdpEP
— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) January 21, 2015
He’s back.
Living to fight another day “@americana_brand: Good to see you back @JonnyBones Hope all is well.”
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) January 21, 2015
That’s the plan “@ctabori: @JonnyBones Are you going to fight the winner of Gustaffson v Johnson? #AndStill #Unbroken“
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) January 21, 2015
Yep, I got to work over time this year “@fergo_marc: @JonnyBones and you are still going to remain champ”
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) January 21, 2015
Him, too.
I cannot wait to fight again. 1.5 years off. I thought i was done but as it turns out, i Am Not!!… http://t.co/sPMC9p9RU7
— Jeff Curran (@BigFrogBJJ) January 21, 2015
He’s gone.
Huge thank you to the @ufc for the great experiences and opportunities you gave me! This is not goodbye but see you later #IwillBeBack
— Michael (@TeamRocBiggie) January 21, 2015
Want more?
@seanspencer170 @MMAjunkie Anytime, anywhere!
— Cathal Pendred (@PendredMMA) January 21, 2015
@seanspencer170 @MMAjunkie You get the contract sorted and I’ll sign in a heartbeat.
— Cathal Pendred (@PendredMMA) January 21, 2015
OK.
If u have a problem w/ @CMPunk u have a problem w me. Humble, a student, & doesnt owe u @ufc #DroppingKnowledgeJustSaying #DKJS JustSaying
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) January 21, 2015
Damn.
Let’s play who wore it better? Featuring @UriahHallMMA and Kelvin Gastelum lol pic.twitter.com/tBCX3G7jg2
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) January 21, 2015
So this airs tomorrow tonight on Bravo. Tune in at your own risk #MillionaireMatchMaker http://t.co/URXYJGOiej
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) January 22, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Jan. 21 2015)
Paul Daley vs. Andre Santos at Bellator 134
Raphael Assuncao vs. Urijah Faber at UFC Fight Night: Faber vs. Assuncao
Gilbert Burns vs. Josh Thomson at UFC Fight Night: Faber vs. Assuncao
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Graham Douglas.
I’m not drinking the Conor McGregor Kool Aid just yet. Are you?
Nobody’s opinion is any more valuable than anyone else’s. Of course if you’re an experienced fighter, perhaps you might be able to beat your chest on your opinions a bit more than other people. That said, it does appear that a great number of people are drinking the Conor McGregor Kool Aid. I’m not going to mention any names here, but I’m basis this commentary on what I’m hearing from the media and mma “experts”.
I’m not suggesting he’s boring. I’m not suggesting that he is not a star. I’m not suggesting that he’s not bound for greatness. I’m not suggesting that he’s a fraud. He’s a warrior. I’m speaking more to the analysis that’s going on right now where for some reason, ratings and marketing are blurring the reality of the situation. He may have a great take down defense. Might. He may be able to get up without issue. It may be the most underrated part of his game. However, with the matchups he’s had, there is no track record. There is nothing to show because he hasn’t needed to show us yet.
…
Check out the rest of the post here.
Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.