Cris Cyborg ‘hopeful’ to face Amanda Nunes in super-fight at UFC 226

UFC women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg is slated for her second title defense against Yana Kunitskaya at UFC 222 on March 3^rd. But as early as now, she is already looking at her future plans after that fight.

In a recent interview with FloCombat, Cyborg once again brought up the possible super-fight with Amanda Nunes, something she sees happening especially if “The Lioness” ends up victorious in her reported title defense against Raquel Pennington at UFC 224 in Rio de Janeiro on May 12^th.

”I have heard Amanda Nunes is fighting Raquel Pennington in Brazil,” said Cyborg. “I think she still has fights in her division, especially with Cat Zingano facing Ketlen Vieira at UFC 222 to establish the next No. 1 contender at 135 pounds; however, I know the UFC and Amanda have been asking for this fight and have accepted it with my manager, who is now working on making it happen.”

”I am hopeful that if we both win our next fights impressively it can happen at UFC 226.”

When Max Holloway pulled out of his scheduled title fight against Frankie Edgar due to injury, the UFC needed a replacement headliner for UFC 222. With just three weeks’ notice, Cyborg immediately said yes when she was asked to step in, and it is something she has taken pride in.

”There are not a lot of fighters who are willing to put their championship belt on the line with three weeks’ notice,” Cyborg said. “I am hoping that my actions will show the UFC that I am willing to do what is good for the company and that because of this we will see me get a little bit more of the marketing and exposure I have been campaigning for.”

UFC 222 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.