#TFGinterview: Cris Cyborg talks about her UFC return, CM Punk and much more

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT the ‘baddest woman on the planet’, there is only one name that truly fits the bill and that has been the case for over 7 years now – Cristiane Justino, popularly known as Cris Cyborg. The current Invicta FC Featherweight champion and former Strikeforce Featherweight champion, Cyborg made her UFC debut at UFC 198 in May and true to her style, made quick work of her opponent Leslie Smith in the first round.

However, the fight having been contested at a catch weight of 140 lbs meant that the future of Cyborg in the UFC looked to be in flux. But, not for long…as the announcement came about last month of her return to her native country of Brazil headlining the Fight Night card on September 23. Facing her would be UFC newcomer Lina Lansberg from Sweden, making her debut for the world’s largest fight promotion.

A few days before fight week, Cyborg in an exclusive with The Fan Garage, spoke to Ratish Menon about her state of mind heading into this fight, what it means to be headlining a card in Brazil and other contemporary topics.

On making a return to 140 lbs. despite being vocally opposed to the move following her UFC debut

“The UFC offered me an opportunity to be the main event on FS1. It is a big opportunity to show my work.  I am disappointed that Lina wouldn't accept the fight at 145lbs but will do my best to preform at 140.”

It is a known fact that Justino has a tough time cutting down to her regular weight class of 145 lbs, let alone the catchweight of 140 lbs. Who could forget the heartrending visual of her draped in towels and sheets, crying while trying to cut weight to meet the 140 lbs limit?

Quiz her on what kept her going during that brutal weight cut and her response is precise.

“Jesus kept me going. My faith in god is what gets me through all difficult times.”

The whole ordeal makes one wonder why such an aversion on the part of the UFC to have a weight division of 145 lbs for women such as Cris? Recently, we have seen them experiment in catchweight fights at 125 lbs too. How much merit does the UFC possess with the argument that there aren’t enough women fighting at that weight class to justify constituting a full-time featherweight division?

Cyborg isn’t one to agree with the UFC on that particular notion.

“If you build it they will come.  When I beat Gina Carano there was no Ronda Rousey.  Every UFC Champion the UFC has ever had at BW has fought at 145 in their career.  None of them have fought at 125lbs.  The idea that there isn't any talent at 145 is fabricated look at the USA winning Gold medals in the Olympics for women boxing and judo, with both of those girls being heavier than my own weight class of 145.”

Her thoughts on CM Punk and him cashing in the big bucks in his losing debut

In this regard, there was a tweet from Justino equating the lack of desire on the part of the UFC in promoting a women’s 145 lbs division to the ill-advised move, in the eyes of many, where an inexperienced non-fighter in CM Punk walked away with big money just for showing up to fight on a UFC PPV. This criticism though isn’t out of any hard feelings or jealousy towards the former WWE star.

“CM Punk deserves what he got paid.  The UFC helped promote him and he sold a lot of PPV's.  Realistically I don't see him having many more UFC fight though.  Imagine if the two girls who just won Gold Medals for the USA in Boxing and Judo were to fight each other in the UFC.  Now imagine if an entire generation of women grew up wanting to fight UFC because they saw those women have a chance to compete on the biggest stages.  Ultimately the investment in WMMA is going to pay more than a one off fight with a celebrity who has no fighting talent.”

Whether any of the UFC big name fighters will step up to fight her?

Every time there is talk of Justino fighting in the UFC, the rumoured and highly anticipated match up against a certain Ronda Rousey is brought up. That has been the running idea for half a decade now and with the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division catching steam in recent years, Cyborg is still waiting for one of the big names to sign on the dotted line against her.

“Factors are out of my hands.  You will see me fight one of those girls when the UFC wants to showcase me against one of those girls.  I am ready to make the biggest fights for my fans.”

India and its place in the MMA world

In closing, Cris was her humble and appreciative self, praising India’s efforts to gain recognition in the global MMA stage. On her part, she is open to do her bit towards the same.

“India has a great potential for fighters, they just lack the same training opportunities, I would love to host a seminar in the country sometime”