Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino is the reigning women’s 145-pound champion of the world. She’s held that distinction since taking out Gina Carano in 2009. She has aggressively pursued a fight against UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey for years, dating back to when the two were champions in the Strikeforce promotion.
Following Rousey’s 14-second finish of Cat Zingano at UFC 184 on Feb. 28, Cyborg tweeted to Rousey pushing for the fight, again.
Hey @RondaRousey let me know if you need Lorenzo’s phone number #championVSchampion Hei Ronda se quiser te… http://t.co/QoPyb9u2n0
— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) March 2, 2015
It’s rare that the one isn’t asked about the other in interviews, but they’re in two different weight classes. Rousey refuses to take the fight at a catchweight, and Justino hasn’t been able to cut down to the bantamweight division’s limit of 135 pounds.
“Cyborg has to make the weight, and this fight is going to happen,” said UFC president Dana White during the UFC 184 post-fight press conference.
Rousey’s mother, AnnMaria De Mars, responded to Justino’s tweet.
@criscyborg @MMARoasted @RondaRousey I’ll give you a number – 135
— DrAnnMaria (@DrAnnMaria) March 2, 2015
Justino fired back at De Mars on Tuesday.
Cute Ms. @DrAnnMaria your motherly instincts to protect your lil cub @RondaRousey is kicking in, it’s natural but The lion is coming. @ufc
— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) March 4, 2015
Cyborg defended her Invicta FC featherweight title the night before Rousey fought Zingano, in the same city. The event was broadcasted on UFC’s Fight Pass. Following the fight, Justino said she’d be in the UFC soon and that she’s going to do her best to make 135 pounds to take on Rousey.
“I will be in the UFC soon,” she said. “For my team, my fans and my family, I will try my best, 100-percent, to make 135 pounds.”
Justino’s next fight will be during International Fight Week in Las Vegas on July 10, the night before UFC 189 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It looks as if there’s a plan for an eventual grudge match, but the magic number isn’t the one that will ring Lorenzo Fertitta’s cellphone. It’s the number De Mars pointed to: 135.
view original article >>