Watch Cris Cyborg spar with former multiple-division boxing champion Mia St. John.
Given that Cris Cyborg will be defending her UFC women’s featherweight title against a former professional boxing champion next month, it makes sense for the Brazilian to seek out the best of the best in preparation for UFC 219.
That’s why Cyborg, who will defend her belt against former UFC bantamweight champ Holly Holm, sought out 50-year-old retired boxing sensation Mia St. John for a sparring session (video above).
St. John retired from the sport in 2016 with multiple world titles to her resume and having fought 65 times in the boxing ring. The Mexican-American also had the lone MMA fight in 2008, knocking out Rhonda Gallegos in the first round at X-1 Champions.
Cyborg’s opponent, ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’, won belts in three separate weight classes during her professional boxing career and defended her titles 18 times. Despite her knack for boxing, Holm’s most dangerous weapon in the Octagon is the head kick. The Jackson-Wink product knocked out Ronda Rousey with a head kick and follow-up punches at UFC 193 and recently disposed of Bethe Correia in similar fashion at UFC Fight Night Singapore.
Cyborg, a multi-promotion champ, is a Muay Thai wrecking machine and has won most of her bouts via knockout. The 32-year-old is currently the most feared and dangerous woman in mixed martial arts.
Cyborg, real name Cristiane Justino, will defend her featherweight title against Holm at the upcoming UFC 219 pay-per-view on Dec. 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.