The UFC needs the most brutal woman in the world. Cyborg’s return will save the division
Sergey Sorokin May 24, 2024, 19:05 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Even Nunes could return for a fight with the Brazilian Bellator champion.
The PFL declares its desire to compete on equal terms with the UFC. The organization partnered with Bellator and received a great opportunity to strengthen its roster. But for now, top stars are desperately fleeing the organization because they aren’t getting what they want. More recently, Bellator representatives accused the management of the united league of wanting to save money on fighters. And now one of the organization’s top superstars has decided to enter into open conflict with the bosses. Cris Cyborg Justina hasn’t entered the octagon in a while, which she now blames on the PFL.
The Sheiks have merged two promotions and are going after Dana White and his organization:
Is UFC losing advantage? We study whether competitors are catching up to the world’s main league
It’s worth noting that the current Bellator women’s featherweight champion hasn’t been competing for long. She last fought on April 23, 2022 at Bellator 279. Cyborg faced Arlene Blencowe in the cage and won by unanimous decision. The fourth defense of the championship belt seemed too easy. It was for this reason that it seemed like Chris had finally cleared the divide. But everyone is looking forward to Cyborg’s return. And now the girl made an unexpected statement.
Cris Cyborg Justina
Bellator Women’s Featherweight Champion
“During this entire year I have not received any official proposal for fights. Athletes deserve to be offered at least two fights a year. “You can’t achieve success and grow your fan base with less.”
It seemed that without Cyborg’s participation he simply could not pass the PFL vs Bellator tournament, which took place in February 2024. The best fighters of these organizations performed there. For example, Vadim Nemkov had his first fight in the new division. He easily defeated the Brazilian Bruno Cappelozza. But Chris, apparently, did not even receive offers to participate in this event. And so he is, rightly, outraged by the actions of the leaders of the revamped league.
This season, PFL broadcasts are available on Okko.
Now the future of the Brazilian athlete seems as uncertain as possible. And all because the girl has already announced a possible return to the UFC. And if Chris doesn’t get a fight in the very near future, he might change his “registration.” Cyborg is welcomed with open arms into the best league on the planet. And the Brazilian already named his main condition: “My record is 10-0 after that fight in 2018. If Amanda returns, then maybe it’s time for Chris to return to the UFC, Dana White.”
Cris Cyborg Justinu and Amanda Nunes
Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
So far the situation seems quite worrying for the PFL. It is losing one star after another. The first to move to the UFC was Michael Page, a true showman and a brilliant fighter. Then Kayla Harrison signed a contract with the best league on the planet, who also managed to get her first victory. And now the top female superstar of the PFL and Bellator can move on to the UFC. And most importantly, such a step will significantly strengthen the competitor. Because the division will literally shine with new colors.
There’s Harrison, who is now eager to quickly get to the top and win the title. The championship belt is held by Raquel Pennington, who is on a six-win streak. And Cyborg’s transition and Nunes’ return could completely change the match. It’s hard to imagine what a breath of fresh air the emergence of such a top 4 will be for all of women’s mixed martial arts. Stagnation and stagnation can end, there is no particular doubt about this.
Strickland desperately argues with Shevchenko, but gives no reason:
“Women’s MMA sucks!” The UFC champion criticized female fighters, but is it really that bad?
It will be interesting to see exactly how the PFL management reacts to such a statement from one of its top superstars. There is a feeling that Dana White and the UFC bosses are in complete control of the situation. Therefore, Cyborg’s future may be decided in the very near future.
