Anderson’s chance on the UFC’s big stage
AUSTRALIA’S mixed martial arts stocks continue to rise, with Megan Anderson to become the country’s first woman to fight for a UFC world title.
Gold Coaster Anderson will meet controversial superstar Cris “Cyborg” Justino for the featherweight title at UFC 214 in California on July 29.
It means Australia could have two world champions if Anderson and Robert Whittaker, who’ll face Yoel Romero for the interim middleweight title belt on July 8, win their coming fights.
However, both Australians are underdogs, with Cuba’s Romero the No.1 contender and Whittaker ranked third.
Brazilian Justino boasts a 16-1 record, comparing favourably with 27-year-old Anderson’s 8-2 since her first bout four years ago.
But Anderson, who now resides in Kansas City, Missouri, is confident her hand will be raised in Anaheim next month.
“It’s no longer about the length of time you’ve had in the sport. It’s about hunger and dedication,” she told ESPN.
“Just because I’ve been doing this for less time doesn’t mean I’m less deserving.
“I have an amazing team behind me and I know what I’m capable of.
“I think it’s my time to shine and it’s time for someone new – someone exciting, someone relatable – to take that torch of the best 145-pound (66kg) female in the world.”
Anderson beat Canadian Charmaine Tweet with a second-round technical knockout for the Invicta FC interim featherweight championship in January.
The featherweight title is vacant after the belt was taken off champion Germaine de Randamie.
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