Cris Cyborg Granted Boxing License, Planning Move To New Sport

Being a dominant champion in the UFC doesn’t’ appear to be enough for UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino.

On Wednesday, it was revealed “Cyborg” was granted a boxing license in the state of California.

According to Ariel Helwani, of MMA Fighting, Justino is going to pursue a career as a junior middleweight.

Since UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor earned the biggest payday of his career competing in a boxing match against Floyd “Money” Mayweather, many UFC fighters have shown interest in competing in the sport of boxing. With “Cyborg” actually receiving a license to compete, it appears she may be the next high-caliber fighter to fight in the squared circle.

Justino is currently under contract with the UFC, and would not be able to compete in boxing without their permission. But with the UFC letting McGregor fight Mayweather, there is a precedent for the UFC allowing fighters to compete in another sport.

Justino has said in the past that her contract with the UFC will expire in October. The UFC has exclusive negotiation rights, but “Cyborg” could use a potential boxing career as leverage during her contract negotiations.

In July, “Cyborg” won the vacant UFC Women’s Featherweight Championship by defeating former Invicta Champion Tonya Evinger by TKO at UFC 214.

For over a decade, Justino has been the most dominant female fighter in the history of the women’s featherweight division. Since 2005, “Cyborg” has accumulated an MMA record of 18-1. Her only loss came in her first MMA fight. Prior to joining the UFC, her career was highlighted by winning both the Strikeforce and Invicta featherweight titles.

“Cyborg” has shown interest in defending her title on Dec. 30 at UFC 219 in Las Vegas. Justino has requested to fight former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm at the event. There are also reports that the UFC is interested in booking a fight between “Cyborg” and Holm as well.