MMA star Cyborg will defend belt
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Cris Cyborg has been, by and large, one of the most dominant MMA fighters of the last 15 years, becoming the only woman to win championships in four major promotions.
At 35, she’s going strong.
The Bellator women’s featherweight champion, Cyborg returns to action Thursday night when she defends her title against former WIBF boxing champ Arlene Blencowe in the Bellator 249 headliner.
“She’s a great opponent for me,” Cyborg told USA TODAY Sports. “She’s a two-time world champion in boxing. She likes to strike. I like to strike, too. It’s going to be an exciting fight.”
Cyborg (22-2), who’s been competing professionally since 2005, will enter her 15th major promotional title fight. A former UFC, Strikeforce and Invicta FC champ, Cyborg made history by adding a Bellator title when she defeated Julia Budd in January.
Even with those accolades, Cyborg isn’t lacking motivation.
“The first thing is I love my job,” Cyborg said. “I have the opportunity to do something I love every day. I used this opportunity to be in a better form of fighting (and) giving hope for my fans. ... I can shed some light for the people and give some hope. This has motivated me every morning, every day for training.”
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, Cyborg has reunited with coach Rafael Cordeiro of Kings MMA, whom she trained under early in her MMA career. Cyborg thinks she returned to a working recipe.
“The last time I did camp (with him) was before the Gina Carano fight (in 2009),” Cyborg said. “He’s my first coach. (He taught me to) throw my first kick, my first punch. It’s really nice to be back with him training. He knows me, and it’s very, very cool.”
There has been much ado about a potential foray into boxing should Cyborg win Thursday. She has been vocal about her desire before but remained mum on any challenges beyond Blencowe.
“I would like to (box),” Cyborg said. “Yes, for sure. It’s my dream to do a boxing fight. But for sure, for now, it’s focusing for Thursday.”
Cyborg vs. Blencowe will serve as the Bellator 249 main event on CBS Sports Network. In the co-headliner, fan-favorite Patricky “Pitbull” Freire squares off with promotional newcomer Jaleel Willis.