This weekend, two women’s champions looked dominant as they defended their titles. Ronda Rousey needed just 14 seconds to keep her belt, while Cristiane Santos won her fight in 46 seconds. As the UFC continues to answer questions about what is needed to get these two into the cage, the fact remains that a lot of work will have to be done in order to put together the biggest fight available in women’s mixed martial arts.
Even through “Cyborg” and “Rowdy” have years of going back and forth between each other on the books, there are a number of hurdles that need to be overcome before they can get into the Octagon together.
UFC President Dana White addressed the main issue of Santos fighting in a higher weight class.
“The thing is with Cyborg is making that weight. I don’t know if she can make the weight,” White said during the post-fight conference (via MMA Fighting). “She has to make the weight.”
Santos answered similar questioning during the Invicta 11 post-fight press conference when reporters wondered about the potential of a fight with Rousey.
“I am trying to make 135 pounds. I know everyone wants to see me fight Ronda Rousey,” Santos is quoted in saying via a report from Sherdog. “I am going to try very hard to make this fight happen.”
Santos has gone back and forth about cutting down to 135 pounds. She recently mentioned that she will not be able to make the weight and will continue competing at 145 pounds. Back in 2012, Damon Martin of MMA Weekly wrote a piece in which doctors nixed the idea of Santos losing the additional 10 pounds to fight.
Rousey‘s continued success has eliminated many of the potential contenders that would create interesting fights. With her victory over Cat Zingano, she has defeated the top five women currently listed in the UFC’s rankings. Rousey recognized the idea that the Santos fight is there, but downplayed how important it is to her legacy.
“I really don’t feel like there is anything hanging over this fight,” Rousey said. “I’m very proud of what we did but there isn’t anything hanging over this fight.”
Dana White interjected to let everyone know that this is not on Rousey.
“If she makes the weight, we can make the fight,” White said. “I’m going to say it. She asks me all the time and says that she will fight her whenever she makes the weight. She wants to fight her. It’s not on Ronda. She’s the world champion. ‘Cyborg’ has to make the weight. Make 135 pounds and the fight will happen.”
Ronda Rousey is one of the biggest stars that the UFC can offer fans. The promotion is in a tough position, as it can not provide her with the challenger that everyone wants to see at this time. Until then, the two best women fighters will be kept on separate paths.
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