Strikeforce champion (145), Cris "Cyborg" Santos won Gold at the IBJJF jiu jitsu competition on Saturday, June 2 and then wasted no time using that platform to call out current Strikeforce champion--at 135--Ronda Rousey. Strikeforce CEO, Scott Coker, in an interview with MMAFighting's Ariel Helwani, said he wants to see that fight happen.
Rousey vs Cyborg
Strikeforce is focused on the 135 division. Cyborg is the champion of the 145 division. Scott Coker thinks a match between Rousey and Cyborg is "...inevitable. I think that fight will happen at some point...That conversation will happen once she's back and ready to fight. Her and Ronda at 135? That might be the highest rated show on Showtime for the year or the past fights we've done...Women's fights always rate well on Showtime...Ronda's always delivered. That armbar is unbelievable. She proved with Miesha, she's proven with the other girls--she can fight a wrestler, she can fight a striker. Fighting Cyborg? That's a whole 'nother level. I think that Sean is trying to put that fight together."
Scott Coker Believes Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg Will Happen video
That fight will be well worth the wait.
But first, Cyborg has to complete her time on suspension. She is not eligible to compete in MMA until mid-December. That might mean fans will have to wait until 2013 to see this fight happen. That's not all bad. Rousey will need time to increase the level of her striking skills to make it through the first round of punches and kicks from Cyborg.
Meanwhile Cyborg's purple belt ground game is getting better and better.
Cyborg on Twitter
Cris Cyborg has been busy tweeting and generating fan interest in a Strikeforce war between her and Ronda Rousey. She tweeted her appreciation to fans and sponsors, "Again, thank you for everyone who help me in IBJJF. My trainers sponsors and everyone who believe in me. I come back soon and make u all proud. (photo) http://fb.me/1z0qnr7Df"
Cyborg's opponent at the Worlds competition, Hillary VanOrnum, tweeted, "@criscyborg It was an honor to fight you yesterday. I hope I made you work very hard for gold! I would love to train mma & bjj with you!"
Fans React on Twitter
@MMALoaded tweeted, "@criscyborg calls out the champ @RondaRousey after winning a gold medal at the BJJ worlds. Definitely the fight the fans want in #WMMA".
Cyborg retweeted this comment by @SomThingWickd, "We already know that Rousey doesn't fight well backing up and she doesn't like getting hit in the face. Tate showed us that."
That prompted a response from a Rousey fan. Andrew Ingram tweeted back, "She hates getting hit in the face so badly, she will take you down and submit you. Will be the same with Cyborg."
But first, Ronda has to defend her title against Sarah Kaufman, the former Strikeforce champion in the 135 division.
Rousey vs Kaufman
Fans will get the opportunity to see Ronda's chin tested when she faces formidable striker Sarah Kaufman. This fight is not yet scheduled, but in his interview with Ariel, Scott Coker said he expects it to happen before the end of the summer. Sarah unloads straight punches relentlessly. This fight will be very interesting. Whoever wins might get the opportunity to face Cyborg--if Cyborg can make the drop in weight to 135.
Source: MMAfighting.com, Twitter, Facebook
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Cyborg Santos Appeal Denied, Out of the Game Until Mid December: Fan Reaction
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Cheryl Ragsdale started out boxing and has added kicks and BJJ so she can practice MMA. She trains with Keith Florian and UFC Fighter Kenny Florian at Florian Martial Arts - follow @thatgirlisfunny
