The highly anticipated UFC debut of Invicta FC featherweight champion Cris “Cyborg” Justino has finally been announced.
The UFC released the news on Monday that “Cyborg” will face Leslie Smith in a catchweight bout at 140 pounds on the UFC 198 card on May 14. Justino who usually fights at the featherweight limit of 145 pounds will debut in the UFC in front of her home town at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil.
From the UFC:
A native of Curitiba, the 30-year-old Justino (15-1, 1 NC) is unbeaten for over 10 years, and with 13 of her 15 pro wins coming by knockout, it’s not surprising that she has soared to the top of every organization she has competed in. Owner of victories over Gina Carano, Marloes Coenen (twice), and Shayna Baszler, the former Strikeforce champion has compiled a 5-0 record with five knockouts as a member of the Invicta FC roster.
advertisement – continue reading belowA former Invicta FC standout in her own right thanks to three Fight of the Night awards and wins over Raquel Pennington and Jennifer Maia, Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (8-6-1) is a fearless competitor who is well prepared for the biggest fight of her career this May. Winner of two of her last three over Jessamyn Duke and Rin Nakai, the 33-year-old Californian eagerly anticipates a fight to remember against “Cyborg.”
In the UFC 198 main event, Fabricio Werdum defends his UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic. In the co-main event, it’s an All-Brazil battle as Vitor Belfort faces Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, and also featured on the card is a middleweight matchup between Anderson Silva and Uriah Hall and a light heavyweight bout pitting Mauricio “Shogun” Rua against Corey Anderson.
Will this set up a potential match with some of the top UFC women’s bantamweight contenders including former champions Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm, or perhaps the new champion Miesha Tate? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.