Cyborg: undefeated since 2005. AP / Press Association Images
AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
THE UFC HAS confirmed that it will finally create a women’s featherweight division.
But the most dominant 145lb female in MMA, Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino, will not get the first shot at the inaugural title.
The UFC announced on Tuesday night that it will add a third women’s weight class in early 2017 with Holly Holm and Germaine de Randamie set to face off for the belt at UFC 208.
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Cyborg, who is undefeated since 2005, was the undisputed Invicta featherweight champion before making the switch to the UFC earlier this year.
The Brazilian was offered the chance to face either Holm or de Randamie on 11 February but after suffering through a “brutal” weight cut to fight Lina Lansberg at a 140lb catchweight in September, said she would not be fit to return until March at earliest.
Rather than wait, the UFC made the title fight between former bantamweight champ Holm and de Randamie.
“I’m undefeated for 10 years in my division. They put this belt only to sell the fight for the new MMA fans.
“For an example, Holly is coming off two consecutive losses and will fight for the belt. The real fight fans know what’s real.”
– An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the featherweight division would be the UFC’s second women’s weight class; it will be the third (strawweight and bantamweight).
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UFC finally set up women's featherweight division - but Cyborg won't get first title shot
THE UFC HAS confirmed that it will finally create a women’s featherweight division.
But the most dominant 145lb female in MMA, Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino, will not get the first shot at the inaugural title.
The UFC announced on Tuesday night that it will add a third women’s weight class in early 2017 with Holly Holm and Germaine de Randamie set to face off for the belt at UFC 208.
Cyborg, who is undefeated since 2005, was the undisputed Invicta featherweight champion before making the switch to the UFC earlier this year.
The Brazilian was offered the chance to face either Holm or de Randamie on 11 February but after suffering through a “brutal” weight cut to fight Lina Lansberg at a 140lb catchweight in September, said she would not be fit to return until March at earliest.
Rather than wait, the UFC made the title fight between former bantamweight champ Holm and de Randamie.
“Everybody knows I’m the featherweight champion,” Cyborg told MMAFighting.com.
“I’m undefeated for 10 years in my division. They put this belt only to sell the fight for the new MMA fans.
“For an example, Holly is coming off two consecutive losses and will fight for the belt. The real fight fans know what’s real.”
– An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the featherweight division would be the UFC’s second women’s weight class; it will be the third (strawweight and bantamweight).
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
‘I almost died’: Cyborg explains why she had to reject UFC featherweight fight against Holm
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cris justino cyborg Germaine de Randamie Holly Holm MMA UFC UFC 208