Brazil’s Cristiane Justino, known as “Cris Cyborg” said she still intends to run a professional boxing fight at some point in her career, even after signing a new contract with the UFC.
Cris Cyborg has agreed to new deal with the UFC, only two month after getting a boxing license on California, a license she still plans to use in the future.
The Brazilian (18-1) also agreed to defend her 145-pound belt against American’s Holly Holm at UFC 219 on December 30 in Las Vegas.
Speaking to ESPN, Cyborg said: “The UFC knows I’m interested in boxing and that fans have started asking for fights against Layla McCarter and current champion Cecilia Braekhus.”
“The UFC already has some fights in its plans and we need to focus on that, but I got my license to box because I want to fight professional boxing fight eventually and the UFC is aware.” she added.
According to her previous contract, Cyborg could have become free as air in 2018. She strongly considered taking advantage of this autonomy before signing an agreement to stay in the UFC.
In its history, the UFC contracts prevented athletes from converging on boxing. The boxing fight this summer between Floyd Mayweather and UFC champion Conor McGregor is a rare exception.
But during a public appearance, the UFC President Dana White confirmed that he and the UFC intends to get involved 100% in boxing.
“I want to thank a UFC adviser Hunter Campbell and my agent George Prajin for working so well together to conclude this agreement. I’m glad to see that the Cyborg brand and the UFC are committed to helping each other.” Cyborg said.
“I’m going to let my management team and the UFC decide when they prefer to make these discussions public. However, I can say that my team shares the goals of the UFC for the next 15 months.” she added.
Cris Cyborg agreed to defend her title against Holly Holm at UFC 219 on December 30 in Las Vegas. (Source:www.mmaweekly.com)
Cyborg has had some ups and downs with the UFC, which has asked her to drop to 140 pounds in her first two duels at a weight. Intermediate when she had not yet inaugurated the category of 145 books.
“I predict an excellent fight. Fans may expect to see a boxing or Muay Thai demonstration, but I cannot wait to prove that I grew up as a mixed martial arts athlete and show all I know how to do.” Cyborg said.
