After former Strikeforce women’s featherweight champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos tested positive for steroids in her last fight, bantamweight contender “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey let everyone know just what she thought of the situation in an interview with Mauro Ranallo on The MMA Show.
“I feel like anyone with half a brain isn’t surprised,” said Rousey, who will be challenging Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate in March.
“I have mixed emotions of Cyborg being caught cheating because I know everyone knew she was cheating, and I wanted to make an example of her because you don’t need to take steroids to win.”
Many fans considered Santos to be the top female fighter in the world, but they also considered Rousey to be the next best up-and-coming female fighter in the sport and a possible challenge to Santos in the future. After going 4-0 at featherweight, the judoka and 2008 Olympic Bronze Medalist decided to drop in weight, where challengers like Tate and other standout fighters remain.
“I think her getting caught is a great thing too.” Rousey continued.
“I don’t have the least bit respect for her because I always knew she was a cheater, and now, everyone else knows too. If she ever comes back to fight again, she won’t be the same beast she was before. She might even try doing different things like HGH that are harder to get caught for. Who knows if Strikeforce even wants her back?”
All of Rousey’s bouts have ended in the first minute via armbar. Her wins include those over Julia Budd, Sarah D’Alelio and Charmaine Tweet.
Santos’ last victory was turned to a no-contest due to the positive test. She has also been stripped of the title. Since her first loss as a pro, she has gone undefeated with eight knockout victories. A year-long suspension is also in play for the Brazilian.
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