Cris Cyborg Claims Ronda Rousey "Used Me for Promotion," Vows Total Domination in Potential Fight

The dream matchup that somehow escaped mixed martial arts fans in the mid-2010s remains a sore spot for Cris Cyborg. Despite years passing since the height of their iconic rivalry, the legendary Brazilian striker insists that former UFC champion Ronda Rousey never intended to actually lock horns inside the cage.

Speaking out as she prepares for her upcoming title defense against Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa, Cristiane Justino opened up about the lingering tension between the two fighters. Cyborg believes Rousey weaponized her name strictly for publicity and marketing value while avoiding the actual fight.

“Ronda never actually wanted the fight to happen when she called me out, she just used me for promotion which was smart,” Cyborg stated. “I’m a better fighter today than I was before, I would beat her really bad today.”

For years, fight fans clamored to see the two powerhouses collide. During Rousey’s reign over the UFC bantamweight division, a potential superfight against Cyborg, who was tearing through the featherweight ranks, was considered the biggest marquee fight in women’s combat sports history. However, continuous debates over weight limits, contractual hurdles, and weight classes ultimately prevented the fight from ever coming to fruition.

A Legacy Untouched as Retirement Looms

Cyborg (29-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) went on to capture titles in every major promotion she competed in, including Strikeforce, Invicta FC, UFC, Bellator, and the PFL. Meanwhile, Rousey walked away from MMA following back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes in 2016, though she recently made headlines by making a combat sports comeback.

Even as Cyborg approaches the final bout of her current PFL contract at 41 years old, she insists her skills have only sharpened with time. While her upcoming bout with Vieira is being framed by many as a potential retirement fight, the Brazilian icon maintains that her body feels as good as ever, leaving the door open for potential future showdowns if the money and matchup align.

However, Cyborg remains realistic about the likelihood of Rousey ever agreeing to step into the cage with her now. She noted that if "Rowdy" refused to face her when both women were at the peak of their athletic powers, there is little reason to believe she would accept a fight today.

Whether the superfight ever happens or remains confined to hypothetical debates, Cyborg's confidence has never wavered. As far as she is concerned, she remains the most dangerous woman on the planet, and Rousey knew it all along.