Cris Cyborg Questions Ronda Rousey, Why 145 for Gina Carano But Not Me?
The recent chatter about Gina Carano possibly wanting to return to fighting, and her admitting that she’s meeting with UFC president Dana White to discuss it, has peaked the interest of many, including UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.
Prior to the UFC 171 weigh-ins in Dallas on March 14, Rousey praised Carano for her contributions to women’s fighting and expressed an interest in fighting for former “Face of Women’s MMA.”
“I think given everything that she’s done for the sport and the pioneer that she is, I think she deserves a title shot any time,” said Rousey.
When she was an active fighter, Carano struggled to make weight for the 145-pound division. Rousey fights at 135 pounds. Carano hasn’t fought as a bantamweight since her professional debut in June 2006.
When asked about a possible catchweight fight with Carano, Rousey stated, “There are exceptions that I would make for Gina that I wouldn’t for anyone else.”
Those comments have Cris “Cyborg” Justino believing what she’s said all along – that Rousey is ducking her.
“Ronda, she did an interview and she said 145 for Gina, only for Gina, not for me. I think she run from me. I think she’s a fake fighter,” said Cyborg in a recent interview on Inside MMA. “When you’re a true fighter, you fight everyone.”
(Watch the video of Cris Cyborg's Inside MMA interview.)
Cyborg walks around at 160 pounds, but is determined to cut down to the 135-pound weight class to challenge Rousey.
“I think I can make 135 in the year. And I want to make this fight that everyone wants to watch,” she said. “I want to make this fight that all the fans wants to watch, and I think it’s only possible when I make 135.”
Cyborg is expected to defend her Invicta FC featherweight title in June and wants her first fight as a bantamweight to take place in Invicta. If that happens, there would be no more barriers preventing a match-up with Rousey from taking place.
