Cris Cyborg Still Wants Amanda Nunes Rematch Years After UFC Loss
Despite belts in UFC, PFL, Strikeforce, and Bellator, Cris Cyborg still dreams of one fight—Amanda Nunes.
Amanda Nunes knocked out Cris Cyborg cold within just 51 seconds, ending her UFC featherweight reign. Eight years later, that loss continues to pester the female combat phenom, who recently reflected on the unfinished business.
Cris Cyborg Details Nunes Rematch that Never Came to Be
Cris Cyborg secured her 30th MMA career win only last month with a decisive victory against Ketlen Vieira. That ends the final stint of her current PFL deal. While many predicted a retirement, the WIBA Light Middleweight World Champion is not ready to hang up her gloves yet.
A return to the PFL, which will merge with MVP MMA next year, doesn't seem likely considering she recently finished her contract with the promotion. However, fans can almost certainly rule out UFC from that mix, also
"I think this is in the past," Cyborg said of UFC in an interview with MMA Junkie during Scott Coker's Ki MMA launch party on Monday.
Still, Cyborg is not losing all hope of a rematch with 'The Lioness,' even if it may not come in the promotion that started it all. The 41-year-old claimed she wants to get her revenge as a real fighter.
"(It's been more than) eight years. People ask me the dream fight. Of course, I would like to do the rematch of Amanda Nunes. We didn't have the opportunity at the time (for a rematch). She didn't want to fight me."
The rivalry between the two fierce ladies still turns heads among MMA fans. Despite Nunes' initial reluctance because of the size difference, the bantamweight champion eventually moved up to 145 for UFC 232, becoming the first UFC women's double champ.
Only a year later, a rematch offer was floated, which Amanda Nunes alleged Cyborg had turned down. UFC boss Dana White shared similar sentiments, although the former featherweight queen denied those accusations.
Nearly a decade later, a Nunes rematch might be a stretch now. Yet, not all doors are closed for the decorated veteran.
Boxing and MMA Archrivals Call Out Cris Cyborg
Cris Cyborg has consistently delivered at the sport's highest level. Apparently, she still hasn't lost that fervour even after more than 2 decades.
Speaking to Home of Fight during the same event, Cyborg teased her return to competition: "I still have fire in my heart. It didn't stop. This is my last fight in my contract with PFL."
While that possibility still hangs in the balance, multiple past rivals have already jumped at the opportunity. BKFC legend Christine Ferea and boxing great Claressa Shields have called their shots at Cyborg.
More recently, Olympic medalist Jade Jones also expressed her interest in a fight with Cyborg. With her background in Taekwondo and the Brazilian veteran's storied MMA pedigree, Jones believes the showdown is sure to bring fireworks.
However, she has remained humble in her approach.
"Obviously, she's a very top competitor, so who knows? Maybe I need a couple more first, but she's definitely in my sights."
Cyborg definitely is in no shortage of challengers if she chooses to stick with the sport. However, a dream Amanda Nunes rematch is highly unlikely.
