UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino is preparing to defend the gold against former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm at UFC 219.
It would seem highly unlikely that Cyborg and longtime rival Ronda Rousey are going to meet in the Octagon, but the Brazilian fighting sensation has another way to get her hands on the longtime nemesis.
"I think Ronda Rousey in the WWE would be an amazing thing," Cyborg told Flo Combat. "I just recently attended my first WWE event live when RAW was in [Los Angeles] filming and I absolutely loved the experience. If she really is done fighting and not returning to the UFC, I think the idea of a WWE match between us for the fans is still something everyone could get excited about. Could the Brazilian Vale Tudo Fighter beat the American shoot fighting champion? That seems like a pretty natural story line to a WrestleMania if you ask me. I know 70,000 fans who would still be willing to pack a stadium to see Cyborg vs. Rousey even if it took place in a three-rope ring instead of a cage."
Fightful was the first to report that Rousey has been training for a potential career in the squared circle, plus the former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion is rumored to be close to signing with the WWE. While top online casinos would likely have the betting odds in the Octagon in Cyborg's favor, they seem to indicate the possibility of a Rousey move to WWE is more likely than Cyborg.
Cyborg must first focus on the upcoming title bout with Holm, whom the champion contends she is fighting at the right time.
"We tried to make this fight both times I fought in Brazil at 140 pounds; however, we were unable to come to terms with Holly's side," Cyborg said. "I think waiting to make the fight was a good idea because it gave me back my strength and cardio. I kept a lot of the footwork and speed that I gained by going down in weight, however when my team did the rebuild to 145 pounds they really focused on my explosive power and cardiovascular endurance. ”
UFC 219 takes place on Saturday, December 30 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada with Cyborg and Holly Holm headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
