Cris Cyborg and UFC are done doing business, according to Dana White, the president of that organization. Cyborg officially ended her contract a week ago, when she had the last fight against Felicia Spencer at UFC, which she won after a unanimous decision.
“I’m going to release her from her contract and I will not match any offers,” UFC’s president stated, adding that the fighter is free to go and represent other promotions. “She is free and clear to go to Bellator or any of these other promotions and fight these easy fights she wants. Done. Done deal.”
The tensions between White and Cyborg are nothing new, as the two had multiple altercations in the past few months.
Following the latest match, Cristiane Justino Venâncio a.k.a. Cris Cyborg had an interview in which she complained about White’s bullying and constant harassment.
She mentioned several situations when White mocked her physical appearance and her overall look. On one occasion, White stated that she looks like Wanderlei Silva with high heels and a dress. Justino also mentioned Joe Rogan, saying that he too tries to diminish her success. As an example, the fighter mentioned how Rogan presented the fight against Spencer, making it look much closer than it really is.
After that she demanded an apology from White, saying that before they even start considering the new offer for another deal, he has to apologize.
White wanted to clarify some things regarding the “Wanderlei Silva mock,” and stated that he said that because of Cyborg’s drug use. The 50-year old wanted to draw a parallel between the physique of the two, suggesting that the steroids made her look like one of the best male fighters ever.
“I said to the media, ‘Did you see her at the MMA awards? Did you not think she was on steroids?’ … I was saying she looked like Wanderlei Silva in a dress, what I meant was that she had the same physique as Wanderlei Silva.
This development of the situation will probably exclude the possibility of Cyborg’s rematch with Amanda Nunes. That was the most anticipated fight in the female competition, and according to the current situation, the chances of seeing it are pretty low.
Just to remind you, Justino lost to Nunes, with a severe knockout in the first round of the fight at UFC 232. It was the first defeat for Cyborg after more than a decade, which might cast a shadow over her entire legacy. Because of that she immediately wanted a rematch, and allegedly Nunes wanted the same.
But according to Dana White, the truth is that the 34-year old fighter avoided another clash with Nunes. Cyborg openly called him a liar because of it, and that was just one of the many issues they had in the recent past.
The Brazilian’s future is unsure as she doesn’t have a representative right now. The latest pieces of information are suggesting that she might face Valentina Shevchenko, or accept a professional boxing match. Whatever happens, she will no longer be a part of the UFC.
