The queen of mixed martial arts Cris “Cyborg” can now return to her throne, having been granted a retroactive therapeutic use exemption by the USADA.
The announcement comes as welcome news for the reigning Invicta featherweight champion who was informed last December that she had fallen afoul of the promotions anti-doping policy in accordance with USADA.
This news arrives at an incredible time as it was revealed by Germaine De Randamie on February 17, that as champion she will have to fight Cristiane Justino down the line.
Cyborg needed to help build UFC Featherweight division
After the dramatic fall of star Ronda Rousey, the former Chute Box athlete became the dominant force in women’s mixed martial arts boasting an extraordinary record of 17-1-1.
Not only does “Cyborg” have an impressive record, the MMA star has a huge following. Her dominance, character and style all contribute to this. With 15 of her 17 wins coming by way of knockout/technical knockout, the female featherweight brings the excitement factor that fight fans crave.
Potential opponents for Cyborg
A question of who the superstar will face is one on the minds of many. After a perfect 2-0 start under the UFC promotion, it seems a case of if, not when, the South American will get a shot at the title and this has been evident with the constant talks of a showdown between Justino and the featherweight champion De Randamie.
However, with De Randamie insisting Holly Holm deserves a rematch first, it appears the Brazilian will have to wait her turn for a title fight.
Invicta FC looks the most likely source of fighters to fill the void of the featherweight division in the UFC. With the women’s featherweight division being a recent inclusion, we have seen 135lb fighters making the jump to the 145lb division to make the title fight. All the while, fighters such as Julia Budd and Megan Anderson are huge draws in the women’s featherweight scene and would make for huge clashes against the returning “Cyborg.”
A clash with fellow featherweight and Invicta FC interim featherweight champion Anderson would be a mega-fight and seems the logical answer to sparking interest in the newly formed division.
The 27-year-old Australian has an impressive record of (8-2) and with her last four wins coming by way of knockout, a clash between the Aussie and 31-year-old Brazilian promises to be a war.
