Ronda Rousey’s (12-0) first UFC appearance came back in 2013 at UFC 157, where the women’s bantamweight champion successfully defended her UFC title against Liz Carmouche (10-5).
Before, and since that win, ‘Rowdy’ has been on a rampage in the women’s bantamweight division, and has become a superstar both inside and outside the octagon.
However, many remain sceptical on Rousey’s legitimacy, and there is one fighter they want to see across the cage from her: Christiane ‘Cyborg’ Justino (14-1, 1NC).
Whist the thought of this ‘super fight’ makes MMA fans feel warm and fuzzy inside, there are reasons it might not happen.
Pro: Rousey versus Cyborg is a potential record breaker
UFC president Dana White has said that this bout would be bigger than Chad Mendes vs Conor McGregor, and has the potential to break all MMA pay-per-view records. I can see why.
It’s a fight that not only all MMA fans would tune in for, but a lot of the world. Rousey has become a movie star and a celebrity, and people want to see her.
That, added in with the undoubted rivalry and animosity between the two women, makes for a fight people all over will want to see.
The lead-up to the bout will be all over mainstream media, and unlike Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao, the fight is still relevant.
Con: Cyborg’s weight cut
Cyborg fights at 145 pounds, or 65.779 kilograms. Rousey fights at 135 pounds, or 61.235 kilograms.
The UFC does not have a 135-pound division, and Rousey is adamant that she will not move up to meet Cyborg at 145 pounds, or even at 140 for a catch-weight bout.
Cyborg cuts weight to 145 pounds from a staggering 170 pounds, and a 35-pound weight would not only put her body under a tremendous amount of pressure, but is a major health risk.
Pro: When it’s over, we can finally talk about something else
If Rousey took on Cyborg and won, her ‘haters’ would have no ammunition left.
If Cyborg wins, Rousey will undoubtedly get a shot at redemption, setting up the biggest rematch in UFC history.
A bout between the two would finally stop the debate over who the better fighter was, and put women’s MMA into a little more perspective.
Mayweather vs Pacquiao was talked about for six years before anything actually happened, so the Rousey versus Cyborg debate is not going away until the two women meet in the octagon.
Con: Cyborg’s positive drug test
In late 2011, Cyborg tested positive for steroid use and was fined by the California State Athletic Commission.
Many were suspicious of Cyborg prior to the results, and remain sceptical that she is clean to this day, despite her passing multiple drug tests since.
Rousey has been outspoken on the issue, and says that she has no interest fighting someone who could potentially be on performance-enhancing drugs. Cyborg has recently threatened Rousey with a lawsuit for defaming her.
Rousey versus Cyborg might happen, just in a courtroom and not a cage.
Pro: Big fish, little pond
Rousey is the queen of women’s MMA. All of her wins have been in incredibly dominant fashion, and the only person to take her past the first round was Miesha Tate (17-5).
Tate is set to get another shot at Rousey, despite already losing to the champion twice. You know the division is getting shallow when she is beating women for a second and a potential third time.
Many believed that Cat Zingano (9-1) would be Rousey’s biggest threat, and she lost in 14 seconds.
There was animosity between Rousey and her last challenger, Bethe Correia (9-1), and many believed that Correia would have the stand-up advantage. Rousey knocked Correia cold out in 34 seconds.
Ronda Rousey is talented, dominant and so far above and beyond that it seems as though she is invincible. The division needs a fresh and established challenger, and if Cyborg can get down to 135 pounds, and stay healthy while doing so, she can be that woman.
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