Despite Cyborg’s utter dismissal of a proposed title fight against Amanda Nunes, the Brazilian champion vs. Brazilian champion mega fight is reportedly in the works for a yet to be announced fight card in May.
UFC president Dana White recently said that it was the only fight he was interested in putting Cyborg in under the current landscape, and it appears, at least on the surface, that the world’s largest Mixed Martial Arts promotions is moving forward with their plans.
In a recent interview Cyborg backed down from her refusal to fight Nunes, even stating that if they meet in the cage, she will kill her.
“If she wants to do this fight, it’s okay, it’s welcome to happen this fight,” said Cyborg. I have three fights on my contract, and I [don’t] have any problem to fight her. But I want the UFC to invest in my division…
She continued, “I can fight Amanda, I think Amanda can have her opportunity for sure. [But I think first] somebody from 145, I think deserve the opportunity first than her. And if Amanda is a super fight, I want to fight her on a big event. A big card, so it can sell pay-per-view. Because Amanda doesn’t sell pay-per-views. Amanda, she barely makes almost 100,000 pay-per-views. [Beating her doesn’t] changing my career at 145, and she doesn’t sell pay-per-views.
“[It’ll be] a pleasure, I was [respecting] her because she’s Brazilian, but you call me out prepare yourself, because I gonna kill you in the cage. We gonna be fight.”
Now, in a new report coming straight out of Brazil, it would appear as if this fight is going down.
Combate.com reports: (Translated)
Ultimate’s plan is clear, but not yet realized. The organization intends to hold its ninth edition in Rio de Janeiro on May 26, UFC 224, and to lead the card, the intention is to have the expected duel between Cris Cyborg and Amanda Nunes, valid for the featherweight belt (up to 66kg ), according to Combate.com with sources connected to the company.
About the venue, the company has not yet defined in which gym will hold the event and will study budgets before choosing the arena. The eight editions made in Rio de Janeiro took place in the Arena da Barra and Maracanãzinho, but the Arena Carioca 1 also appears as an alternative to the Ultimate. The hammer should be struck within the next 15 days.
Regarding the main fight, the organization has few options to lead a numbered card in Brazil, so there is a need to close the clash between Cyborg and Amanda for this date. The Leone, who is a bantamweight champion (up to 61kg) and wants to move up to face compatriot, has already accepted. Already the holder of the division’s belt up to 66kg is still reluctant, as he campaigns for the UFC to invest in hiring featherweight athletes or put it on a card with greater potential for pay-per-view sales in the United States. Meanwhile, company officials are optimistic that the bout will be married for the occasion.
Amanda Nunes was the first to call for this matchup, taking to her social media to confirm why she wanted the fight against her countrywoman.
“First of all, I have nothing personal against @criscyborg I do believe it is the fight that everyone wants to see and a fight where we can both leave our marks on this sport.”
First of all, I have nothing personal against @criscyborg I do believe it is the fight that everyone wants to see and a fight where we can both leave our marks on this sport.
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) January 6, 2018
