Cris Cyborg claims Ronda Rousey ducked her at UFC 200.
Image: Yahoo Sports
It’s one thing to imagine a dream matchup between two of the greatest female fighters in UFC history, but it’s something else entirely when you consider what could’ve been. Cris Cyborg claims Ronda Rousey ducked her at UFC 200, a massive event that took place in 2016 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Cyborg was on a 19-fight win streak and held the featherweight title at the time, having defeated Tonya Evinger in the fourth round of UFC 214.
The stakes were enormous, with both fighters looking to make a statement in the world of women’s MMA. A win over Cyborg would’ve catapulted Rousey back into the title conversation, while a victory for Cyborg would’ve cemented her status as the best female fighter in the world. But instead, Rousey pulled out of the fight just a few days before the event, citing a shoulder injury.
Cyborg has long felt that Rousey’s reluctance to face her was the reason for her exit. In a recent interview, she spoke about the rivalry and its impact on her career. ‘Ronda was a big part of my career, but she didn’t want to fight me when it mattered most,’ Cyborg said. ‘She could’ve fought me when I was at my best, but she chose not to.’
Cyborg has since moved on to other challenges, including a stint in the Bellator promotion, but the rivalry with Rousey remains a sore spot. With both fighters retired from fighting, the ‘what if’ questions will continue to linger. Did Rousey really have a shoulder injury, or was it a case of cold feet? We may never know for sure, but one thing is certain – the world of women’s MMA would’ve been a very different place if Cyborg and Rousey had faced each other at UFC 200.
As for what’s next for Cyborg, she’s been linked to a potential boxing match against Amanda Serrano. The details are still unclear, but one thing is certain – Cyborg will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports.
The fact that Rousey never faced Cyborg has been a sore point for fans of women’s MMA for years. The rivalry was billed as one of the greatest of all time, with both fighters looking to make a statement in the world of women’s MMA. But in the end, it was Cyborg who was left to wonder what could’ve been.
The UFC has since moved on, signing other talented female fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Germaine de Randamie. But for Cyborg and Rousey fans, the ‘what if’ questions will continue to linger. What if Rousey had faced Cyborg at UFC 200? What if the rivalry had played out as planned? We may never know for sure, but one thing is certain – the world of women’s MMA would’ve been a very different place.
The rivalry between Cyborg and Rousey is just one example of the many what-ifs in the world of women’s MMA. With so many talented fighters coming up through the ranks, it’s only a matter of time before we see another generation of female fighters make their mark on the sport. And who knows – maybe one day we’ll see Cyborg and Rousey face off in a hypothetical rematch, with the world watching in awe.
In the meantime, Cyborg will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports. She’s already shown a willingness to take on new challenges, including a stint in the Bellator promotion. And with her sights set on a potential boxing match against Amanda Serrano, it’s clear that Cyborg is still hungry for more.
The rivalry between Cyborg and Rousey may be over, but the impact it had on the world of women’s MMA will be felt for years to come. It’s a reminder that in the world of combat sports, anything can happen – and sometimes, the biggest surprises come from the most unexpected places.
The world of women’s MMA is full of what-ifs and maybes. What if Rousey had faced Cyborg at UFC 200? What if the rivalry had played out as planned? We may never know for sure, but one thing is certain – the world of women’s MMA would’ve been a very different place.
As for what’s next for Cyborg, she’ll be looking to make her mark in the world of boxing. A potential match against Amanda Serrano is in the works, and it’s clear that Cyborg is still hungry for more. The question is – will she be able to translate her skills from MMA to the world of boxing? Only time will tell.
The rivalry between Cyborg and Rousey may be over, but the impact it had on the world of women’s MMA will be felt for years to come. It’s a reminder that in the world of combat sports, anything can happen – and sometimes, the biggest surprises come from the most unexpected places.
Key Takeaways
Image: Yahoo Sports
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Ronda Rousey ever supposed to fight Cris Cyborg at UFC 200?
Yes, Ronda Rousey was scheduled to face Cris Cyborg at UFC 200, but she pulled out of the fight just days before the event due to a shoulder injury.
What happened to Ronda Rousey after she pulled out of the fight against Cris Cyborg?
Ronda Rousey went on to make her professional wrestling debut with WWE, competing in a series of high-profile matches.
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Cris CyborgRonda RouseyUFC 200BellatorAmanda Serranowomen’s MMAcombat sports
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