After Germaine de Randamie became the first-ever Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s featherweight champion with her win over Holly Holm at last weekend’s (Sat., Feb. 11, 2017) UFC 208 event in Brooklyn, New York (see it), "Iron Lady" was asked about a potential title defense against Cris Cyborg.
While she didn’t dismiss the fight, de Randamie revealed it would be awhile before it could go down, as she had to tend to her injured hand, one that could potentially need surgery.
"Sounds funny because they know. They know, before they go inside the cage, ‘if you win this fight, you’re gonna fight Cyborg,’" Cris said on The MMA Hour (via MMA Fighting).
The revelation wasn’t too surprising for Cris, who said she anticipated both Holm and Germaine to pile on the excuses in order to delay an eventually showdown against her.
What did catch the fearsome striker off guard, however, was de Randamie lobbying for a rematch against Holm a few days later in order to put any controversy to rest after the judges' decision came under fire, as did the referee for his refusal to take a point away from "Iron Lady" for back-to-back blows after the bell.
"I (was) supposed to fight there, I cannot fight, they make this fight happen, and the winner will be my next opponent. It sounds funny to say ‘oh, fight Cyborg now, I’m injured, I need surgery,' and after you want rematch with Holly Holm."
Still, Cyborg doesn’t think a rematch will go down, as the fight didn’t exactly thrill company president Dana White.
On the bright side, the promotion seems to be invested in the 145-pound weight class, which means Cyborg will eventually find herself competing at her natural weight inside the Octagon.
"I really felt happy they are having my division," Cyborg said. "I know the division is gonna keep there. It doesn't matter if I’m gonna fight now or later. And it will be my time. Everybody knows who’s the champion at 145. Almost 10 years world champ, and I keep training like contender No. 1."
Of course, Cris has to first settle her issues with United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) after she was notified of a potential violation last year. But, according to this guy, things are looking good.
Fingers crossed.