Cristiane 'Cyborg' Justino in talks for multiple title fights, still eyes Ronda Rousey
Former Strikeforce champion and current Invicta FC featherweight titleholder Cristiane Justino could have a busy year coming up.
Invicta FC is targeting “Cyborg†for a featherweight title defense in a reboot of a previously scheduled match. Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp told MMAjunkie the promotion wants to pair Justino with Ediane Gomes (10-2) for Invicta FC 8 in March.
The event’s location and date are not yet set, but Knapp said it could be the first time the promotion travels outside of Kansas City, Kan., where it’s held the bulk of its events.
Additionally, Justino (12-1) is also in negotiations to fight for a title in the muay Thai promotion Lion Fight, which is based in Las Vegas.
After a smashing debut at this past September’s Lion Fight 11 event, where “Cyborg†earned a third-round TKO via body shots, Lion Fights President and CEO Scott Kent and Justino co-manager George Prajin told MMAjunkie that verbal agreements are in place for a title bout against an unnamed opponent on March 28. Contracts have yet to be signed.
The activity is good news for Justino, who sat out 2012 after a positive drug test for a steroid that stripped her of the Strikeforce title and prompted a one-year suspension. Her most recent appearance in the cage was at this past July’s Invicta FC 6 event, when she pounded out Marloes Coenen in a rematch to win the inaugural Invicta featherweight title.
Justino hasn’t lost a fight since her pro MMA debut in 2005.
Knapp said 2014 could also see the dominant fighter drop down for an exploratory, non-title run at 135 pounds, the territory of her fiercest rival: UFC women’s bantamweight champ Ronda Rousey.
Prajin said that while he and Justino co-manager Tito Ortiz were unable to come to a deal with the UFC on a first round of negotiations, he didn’t rule out the possibility of future talks. Prajin also said that while Justino could make 135 pounds, it might not be a permanent move, and he reiterated a previous stance that 140 pounds is preferable. In an interview prior to the failed talks, UFC President Dana White said a Justino vs. Rousey fight could take place at 140 pounds.
“I think she could make 135 for a few fights; I just don’t see her doing it for her career,†Prajin said. “[The UFC] just didn’t make it easy. They wanted six fights, and they also didn’t want to share the (pay-per-view) revenue with Cris, and those are just a few things that we felt weren’t fair.
“If the UFC really wanted this fight to happen – if Ronda really wanted to show the world … that she’s the best in the world – then step up. Say, ‘Hey, I’ll gain that extra five pounds.’
“She’s fought at 154 in the Olympics and 145 in Strikeforce. But obviously, she’s hiding behind the fact that she’s the 135-pound champ and she doesn’t have to do anything. Well, Cris is the 145-pound champ. If Invicta had a 155-pound title, she’d go up and win the belt, and also go down to 135, because I don’t think anyone has a chance with Cris.â€
Weight concerns aside, Prajin said that while Justino remains loyal to Invicta FC, whom she signed with after the UFC deal fell through, she will be contractually free to entertain offers from other promotions.
“[Invicta] is a relationship we want to continue for a long time, and Shannon’s been so great to us,†he said. “But contractually, [Justino vs. Rousey] could happen in the fall. And to be honest, I think if the UFC offered the fight, I don’t think Shannon would stand in the way. I think she’d be very supportive, and even if she were contractually bound, I think she would allow Cris to fight Ronda in the UFC. I know that for a fact.â€
But at least for the first half of 2014, it appears Justino will have plenty on her plate.
