Cris Cyborg Teases Potential Move to Boxing Ahead of Bellator 259

Published 05/21/2021, 3:02 PM EDT

Cris Cyborg is set to make the second defense of his Bellator featherweight title this weekend at Bellator 259. Cyborg fights former foe, Leslie Smith, in a rematch. The duo has previously clashed at UFC 198 in 2016. Cyborg claimed a first-round T/KO finish that time.

Cyborg is considered one of the best female fighters to ever compete in MMA. Her accolades speak for themselves. She has been a champion in organizations like Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, and Bellator MMA. The legendary Brazilian is looking to take her talent to the boxing ring too.

Speaking to ESPN recently, Cyborg hinted at her desire to test her mettle inside the squared ring in the future. However, she also said that he might be too busy to defend her title this year. “I believe this year is very busy for MMA fights,” said Cyborg.

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Cyborg has already tried her luck in the world of Muay Thai in 2014. She lost to the current World Champion Jorina Baars. No wonder that a legend like her wants to try out boxing too.

Cyborg and her management group, Paradigm Sports, have set their sights on a potential future fight against unified lightweight boxing champion, Katie Taylor, in the future.

The Brazilian has suggested a 2-fight series with one being inside the squared ring and the other in MMA.

Cris Cyborg vs Leslie Smith: What to expect?

For now, Cyborg has to concentrate on the challenge that is Smith. As mentioned earlier, the Brazilian has won the previous contest pretty easily. One might expect the same result this term too. However, the fight is likely to be more competitive than the last term.

This will be Cyborg’s 3rd appearance under the Bellator banner having won her first 2 fights in the promotion since joining in 2020.

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She is looking to take on all comers in the near future and establish herself as the best women’s fighter in Bellator MMA. A win at Bellator 259 will give a massive boost in her quest.

How will Cyborg fare in boxing? Let us know your thoughts.

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Written by:

Apratim Banerjee is an MMA author for EssentiallySports and has been writing professionally for almost a year. Before his current gig, Apratim worked as a UFC writer for Sportskeeda. A long-time MMA fan, Apratim has developed a critical eye for the sport that has helped him transfer his vast knowledge to his copies and give hardcore and casual readers a detailed insight into the fights and fighters.

Cris Cyborg Teases Potential Move to Boxing Ahead of Bellator 259

Cris Cyborg vs Leslie Smith: What to expect?

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