Former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm admits that she did turn down the offer to welcome Cris Cyborg to the Octagon in her UFC debut.

Holm has her reason, after getting her belt taken from her in the very last round of her championship fight against Miesha Tate at UFC 196.

“I’m not even stuck on the 135 compared to 140, that’s not really a big thing for me, Holm said to 120 Sports (transcribed by MMA Mania). They did call me for the fight, that is definitely true. I was so focused and I really wanted to see if I was going to get that rematch for the belt because that is where my passion was really facing. And that was around the time they asked me for the fight with Cyborg and I was holding out to see if I could get the rematch.

“To me, I am not against fighting Cyborg, it just didn’t really seem like the right time. In boxing, I fought in three weight classes, so I am not opposed to fighting at 140. I actually think Cyborg might make 135, who knows. But that could be an option for the future. I am actually very happy for her victory. I really like Cyborg, I think she’s a great gal.”

Holly Holm has her next fight set as she will headline UFC on FOX 20 against Valentina Shevchenko in Chicago on July 23.

Would you like to see Holly Holm vs. Cris Cyborg? Share your prediction with everyone in the comment section on how the fight would go!

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