Well, it’s official — Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino has signed a contract with Zuffa, LLC., the parent company of the UFC.
However, before fans get too excited, it appears that the move was done simply to get her under a deal with the promotion, in the event that she can make the UFC Women’s Bantamweight limit of 135 pounds, something she’ll have to do before she can fight in the UFC.
As things stand now, Cyborg’s next fight is still expected to be a defense of her 145-pound championship in the Invicta FC all-female promotion, which airs on UFC’s “Fight Pass” digital service.
The story was first reported by Brazilian MMA outlet Globo, and has since been confirmed by respected MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, who claims he will have more information on the story on tonight’s edition of UFC Tonight on FOX Sports 1.
Below are the tweets Helwani posted today regarding the subject.
Re: Cyborg Globo report. UFC has confirmed she signed a Zuffa contract. She signed weeks ago as was speculated/discussed. …
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 25, 2015
Zuffa has the option to pick up said contract when/if they are comfortable she can fight at 135, however, expect her next fight to be …
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 25, 2015
At 145 in Invicta, barring any last-minute changes. I'm also told it was UFC's idea to hire @lockloaded to help with her cut, which she did.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 25, 2015
