Ronda Rousey and UFC President Dana White have been quoted repeatedly saying that a fight between the UFC Bantamweight champion and FC Invicta star Cristiane Justino is an exciting match they both want to take part in - that is, if Cyborg makes the 135-pound weight requirement of the division. According to Tito Ortiz, however, the UFC women's champ might just be afraid to face the former Strikeforce titleholder which is why Rousey keeps dancing around the issue instead of just agreeing to a match.
"Cris is jumping through every single flamed hoop that everybody is asking her to do," shared Ortiz, referring to Cyborg's efforts to fulfill the requirements set forth by the UFC, according to MMA Fighting. The MMA fighter further said, "And she's trying to get down to 135. Realistically, 140 is still a challenge for her to get down that low. She's gonna try. She's doing everything possible and it seems like Ronda is doing zero possible. She's just sitting back and collecting her checks."
The issue on Cyborg making the weight requirement has been reiterated by White in his past announcements. When asked about a potential Rousey vs Cyborg bout, the UFC president openly disclosed that such match up would be one of the biggest fights in history. According to Bloody Elbow, White himself expressed excitement over the possible match, going as far as quoting that the "massive" bout could potentially rake in "2.5 million buys." However, there is a glaring hitch to the plans of organizing a Rousey vs Cyborg match.
Describing the "Cyborg thing" as "complicated," White shared that he is eager to organize the highly anticipated fight. Pointing out that Cyborg should be "chomping at the bit to fight Ronda" due to the latter's incredible popularity and remarkable skill - as illustrated by the notable welcome she received in Rio de Janeiro in her UFC Bantamweight title match against Brazilian Bethe Correia, the UFC president urges the FC Invicta star to exhaust all means to finally reach the desired weight. White said, "That fight is ready to roll whenever Cyborg is ready."
While no concrete plans could be set as long as Cyborg fails to adhere to the requirements, one sure match is already lined up for Rousey following her victory in defending her UFC title against Correia earlier this month. Facing the UFC top contender for the third time, the rumored final chapter of the Rousey vs Miesha Tate trilogy is right around the corner.
It could be recalled that Rousey managed to beat Tate twice in the past - the first time was for the UFC title and the second one to defend the belt. Although a third fight between the two may be considered another lopsided match in favor of the UFC champion, Rousey points out that Tate remains one of her "biggest challenges."
According to Fox Sports, the Rousey vs Tate 3 might be included in the speculated pay-per-view card on December 5 which will see featherweight title match between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor. The rumored venue for this event is the AT&T stadium of the Dallas Cowboys in Texas.
