Cris Cyborg Dominates UFC Debut But Defies Expectations Post-Fight

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Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino made her long awaited UFC debut on Saturday night and her performance was nothing short of dominant.

Cyborg needed just 81 seconds to earn a TKO victory over Leslie Smith at UFC 198 following a vicious onslaught from the Brazilian’s right hand.

But fans were left stunned by her unexpected post-fight reaction.

Here are the highlights:

Cyborg has a lengthy history with former-bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, and fans and pundits alike expected the Brazilian to call out her old adversary – but that did not happen.

Cyborg was very respectful in attending to the defeated Smith, and opted to savour the moment rather than switch focus to what lies ahead.

As reported by MMA Fighting, the 30-year-old said:

I believe that it was my moment, tonight was my moment and it was historic. I never thought I’d be sitting here tonight.

So take a lot of pictures. I never thought I’d be here after everything that I went through. It was a historic moment for me. Talking about [Rousey] is not something…it’s something people are going to talk about, but I let my fans decide who my opponent will be and I just be ready.

Justino also explained that she is not set to abandon her Invicta featherweight title in favour of cutting weight to become a bantamweight in the UFC, despite already dropping to a catchweight 140 pounds to fight Smith.

She said:

I’ve been training for two years to be able to make weight yesterday, and I felt very well tonight. And I believe I can do other superfights. But I’m going to continue in my weight class.

I’ve been champion for some time, and I want female MMA to grow, and I don’t think it’s the right thing for me to abandon my weight class.

Classy stuff – but I doubt fans will be giving up on the prospect of Cyborg and Rousey going toe-to-toe in the not too distant future.

UNILAD