Cris Cyborg, the reigning Bellator MMA women’s featherweight champion, is currently in the midst of negotiations with the promotion regarding her future fights. While there is uncertainty surrounding the location of her next bout, it seems that the time of her next fight is a more settled matter.
Cyborg, who boasts an impressive professional record of 26 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest, last defended her 145-pound title in April 2022 with a decision win over Arlene Blencowe from Australia. Since then, she has turned her attention to boxing, securing two victories last year. However, fans are eagerly awaiting her return to the cage.
Bellator CEO Scott Coker has voiced his concerns that the promotion’s women’s 145-pound division might not survive without the Brazilian superstar. Still, he also expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with one of the biggest names in women’s combat sports history.
On the other hand, Cyborg has remained tight-lipped about her next move. Speaking to Cageside Press ahead of an advanced screening of Showtime Sports’ four-part docuseries “Catching Lightning,” which chronicles the life of former UFC fighter and convicted heist mastermind Lee Murray, she emphasized her desire for the biggest fights, which suggests that she could be seeking out new challenges in the future.
As negotiations continue between Cyborg and Bellator, fans of the sport eagerly await any updates on her next fight. It is clear that the Brazilian champion has an unwavering passion for combat sports and that she is keen to prove herself against the best in the business. Whatever her next move may be, there is no doubt that she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of MMA and boxing.
Speaking to Cageside Press, Cyborg said, “I want to do the big fights for my fans, and what’s the big fights the fans would like to watch? Kayla Harrison, Cat Zingano. I’m training, I’m ready, we’ll wait for the next opportunity.”
Cris Cyborg expressed her eagerness to get back into the ring, whether it be in Bellator or the Professional Fighters League (PFL), stating that she will be “in the mix” by the end of the summer.
Cyborg was closely watching the recent fight between Cat Zingano and Leah McCourt, which went the distance, with Zingano emerging as the winner via decision. Cyborg and Zingano have long been on a collision course, but a fight between them has yet to materialize. Zingano has cited drug testing concerns, and now, with Cyborg’s contract status in limbo, a fight between the two seems uncertain.
Despite the roadblocks, the champion is hopeful that a deal will be struck for her to face off against Zingano. Fans of the sport have been eagerly anticipating this matchup, as both fighters are known for their impressive skills and hard-hitting fighting styles.
Cyborg said, “It was a great fight by Cat Zingano and Leah McCourt. If Leah had the best plan, I think she was maybe going to win the fight. It was a great fight, congratulations Cat Zingano. Maybe finally this fight can happen. Yeah, it was a great fight for the featherweights.”
While Cyborg has recently focused on boxing, it is clear that she has not lost her passion for MMA. Her last title defense in April 2022 showcased her fighting prowess, as she picked up a decision win over Arlene Blencowe. Now, she is eager to take on new challenges and prove herself against the best in the business.
As negotiations continue between Cyborg and potential opponents, fans of the sport can only wait and wonder about the matchups that lie ahead. One thing is for certain, however: Cyborg’s passion for combat sports remains as strong as ever, and she will undoubtedly continue to be a force to be reckoned with in both the MMA and boxing worlds.
