Once again Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino has decided to pull out of an attempt to cut weight and will now remain at featherweight for the time being instead.
That’s the word according to Invicta FC boss Shannon Knapp who had originally planned to have ‘Cyborg’ fight Cindy Dandois in a 140lb catchweight bout at Invicta FC 15 in January.
Knapp implied that the fact that ‘Cyborg’s’ long-time rival Ronda Rousey lost to Holly Holm last month and is now expected to rematch her in 2016 was an important factor in the Brazilian’s decision to remain at 145lbs.
“Especially today with the announcement that Holly and Ronda will have a rematch … that will be the next fight for both … I think it does take kind of it off the table for her, kind of shelves it a bit,” Knapp said. “But I still think there’s a desire there at some point. And it’s still a fight I’d like to see, whether it’s Ronda or Holly or whoever it is.”
Knapp also indicated that a recent ban on IV’s was also a factor for ‘Cyborg’ who’s expressed concerns about the potential health implications of cutting down to bantamweight in the past.
“This will be the first time she has competed without hydrating herself with an IV. She’s made the decision to go ahead and defend her belt.”
It’s unfortunate as all the interesting, meaningful fights for ‘Cyborg’ are at bantamweight, and competing in a catchweight bout could have helped smooth the way for a transition to the UFC’s 135lb weight class next year with a fight against the winner of the Holm Vs Rousey rematch a real possibility.
Instead this saga is just going to rumble on indefinitely while some of the prime years of ‘Cyborg’s’ career continue to largely pass her by.
