It’s been a wild week for the former Strikeforce Champion, Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos.
After requesting her UFC release, which was granted by the promotion, Santos wasted no time in signing with the world’s largest female mixed martial arts promotion, Invicta FC. The announcement was made at a press conference Friday night. Santos’ first opponent will be India Gomes on the Invicta show scheduled for April 5.
A rumoured dream match between Santos and UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey was dropped when Santos announced, through her doctor, that she was physically unable to make the 135lb. bantamweight limit. Either unwilling or unable to make 135lb. and the UFC’s lack of interest in a women’s featherweight division, Santos felt the need to be released from her UFC contract.
Although not plentiful, Invicta’s roster does boast some of the world’s best female featherweights. Included in this list is Marloes Coenen, Japan’s Hiroko Yamanaka and Canada’s Julia Budd. Other roster 145lb. fighters include Katalina Malungahu, Ediane Gomes, Danielle West, Elina Nilsson, Amanda Bell, Veronica Rothenhausler, and Tamikka Brents.
Stay tuned to MMASucka.com as more information becomes available on this breaking story.
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