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Former UFC champion Holly Holm doesn't deny the fact that she turned down a fight against Cris Cyborg, which would've gone down at last weekend's (Sat., May 14, 2016) UFC 198 pay-per-view (PPV) event in Curitiba, Brazil.
For "The Preacher's Daughter," the timing of the offer was just off, as she was still set on doing anything in her power to get a rematch against Miesha Tate after "Cupcake" dethroned her from the top of the mountain back at UFC 196.
In fact, Holly recently told 120 Sports that she isn't opposed to going up to 140 pounds to face the current Invicta FC featherweight champion.
"I'm not even stuck on the 135 compared to 140, that's not really a big thing for me. They did call me for the fight, that is definitely true. I was so focused and I really wanted to see if I was going to get that rematch for the belt because that is where my passion was really facing. And that was around the time they asked me for the fight with Cyborg and I was holding out to see if I could get the rematch. To me, I am not against fighting Cyborg, it just didn't really seem like the right time. In boxing, I fought in three weight classes, so I am not opposed to fighting at 140. I actually think Cyborg might make 135, who knows. But that could be an option for the future. I am actually very happy for her victory. I really like Cyborg, I think she's a great gal."
As a result of Holm rejecting the Cyborg fight, Leslie Smith got the nod to face the hard-hitting Brazilian in front of 45,000 rabid fans. It didn't work out for her too well, though, as Cris ran right through her, knocking her out in he first two minutes of the opening frame.
For now, Cris will likely return to Invicta to defend her 145-pound title, while Holm will headline UFC on FOX 20 on July 23, 2015 in Chicago against Valentina Shevchenko.
If all goes well for both ladies in their next bouts, don't be surprised if UFC revisits the possibility of matching them up inside the eight-walled cage.
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