The names of Inaugural UFC featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie and Invicta FC world featherweight champion Cristiane Justino have been swirling around the UFC for weeks now.
Well, the “Iron Lady” and “Cyborg” debate is only growing stronger yet.
Directly after Randamie’s defeat over former bantamweight champion Holly Holm, Randamie admitted that she needed surgery on her hand.
The timing was strange, as this news came directly after “Cyborg” was mentioned as the number one contender.
“Cyborg” very recently conquered a potential USADA violation, by successfully applying for a TUE. Justino is ready and able to fight in the division once again. As the number one contender, her logical opponent moving forward is Randamie.
On a recent episode of Ariel Helwani’s podcast The MMA Hour, Randamie decided to clear the air on the surgery situation.
“I’ve said I need surgery on my hand, that’s inevitable. But I never said I need surgery right now. Am I going to have permanent damage if I fight again? That is something I have to evaluate with my doctor. I truly apologize for not making that clear, but I don’t run away from anybody.”
With that conversation perhaps finally put to rest, Randamie still needs to quell one more controversial subject.
Randamie has asked for an immediate rematch with Holly Holm, leaving some to beleive that she is avoiding the number one contender. However, some also believe that Randamie and Holm’s first bout left some unanswered questions.
Randamie cleared the air, once again, with Helwani.
“I knew Cyborg was there and there is no reason for me to run, everyone is beatable and it is an honor for me to fight such a great champion like Cyborg. I am not running. But at this point, I do believe Holly deserves the rematch.”
Neither Germaine de Randamie nor Cristiane Justino have official bouts lined up, but a bout between the two seems nigh inevitable.
