Cris Cyborg Justino had a warm smile as she carried a small tote of fight gear into a Costa Mesa gym last week. She was wearing a black T-shirt of her image surrounded by the words Fighter, Female, Fearless.

It was an accurate description.

On July 29 at the Honda Center, the 32-year-old Brazilian from Orange County gets her long-awaited opportunity to have the UFC womens featherweight belt fastened around her waist by the groups president, Dana White.

I trained for six years straight thinking, One day, theyre going to need me, Justino said. I had a hard time, cried a lot, but I always believed there was a plan for me.

White once said that hed never stage a womens fight in the UFC, but then came along Ronda Rousey, who would fight in the only womens division (135 pounds) in 2013.

Although Justino had reigned alongside Rousey as a 145-pound champion of the MMA organization Strikeforce, such consideration was not extended to her.

Maybe it was because Im Brazilian, not American, Justino said. But I was the world champion before Ronda, and I thought if they wanted to open the world to womens MMA, they should open the door to me, too and all of us and let the sport grow, Justino said.

Justino did have some baggage after testing positive in 2011 for the steroid stanozolol, but she served her suspension and her tests have remained clean.

Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times

Cris "Cyborg" Justino takes a breather after a practice session in Costa Mesa on July 19.

Cris "Cyborg" Justino takes a breather after a practice session in Costa Mesa on July 19. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times

If Ronda was still the champ, I dont think Id be in the UFC, Cris "Cyborg" Justino said. I know its not fair, but if shed never lost a fight, they wouldnt have needed me.

If Ronda was still the champ, I dont think Id be in the UFC, Cris "Cyborg" Justino said. I know its not fair, but if shed never lost a fight, they wouldnt have needed me. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

During Rouseys armbar dominance, Justino shined on the lesser MMA stage by delivering punches, kicks and knees in rapid succession, posting an equally impressive 4-0 mark with three first-round technical knockouts.

White explained before Rouseys loss to Holly Holm in November 2015 that there was no division for Cyborg, and pointed to Justinos comment that a doctor said she could die if she tried to get down to 135 pounds, Rouseys division.

A few months after Rouseys loss, however, White and then-UFC chairman Lorenzo Fertitta watched Justinos knockout win in an Invicta featherweight title defense in Orange County and signed her less than two months later.

If Ronda was still the champ, I dont think Id be in the UFC, Justino said. I know its not fair, but if shed never lost a fight, they wouldnt have needed me.

The UFCs creation of a 145-pound division in December followed two Cyborg TKO victories last year in non-title catch-weight bouts.

Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times

Gabi Garcia, left, and Cris"Cyborg" Justino take an ice bath after a workout at a gym in Costa Mesa on July 19.

Gabi Garcia, left, and Cris"Cyborg" Justino take an ice bath after a workout at a gym in Costa Mesa on July 19. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Glenn Koenig/Los Angeles Times

Cris "Cyborg" Justino sports a tattoo on her right foot.

Cris "Cyborg" Justino sports a tattoo on her right foot. (Glenn Koenig/Los Angeles Times)

The first February featherweight title fight was made between Holm and Germaine de Randamie of the Netherlands because the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency flagged Justino for a positive result for a banned substance.

Justino avoided suspension by proving that she required the substance to treat an issue with her ovaries. New champion de Randamie balked at fighting Justino, calling her a cheater.

The UFC stripped de Randamie of the belt for the delay, and Justino (17-1) will meet Invicta 135-pound champion Tonya Evinger for the vacant belt.

While some fighters have landed spots on Dancing With the Stars or appeared in the body issue of ESPN the Magazine, Justino has been viewed more harshly.

Jason Parillo, Justinos coach, says the merciless fight game masks Justinos softness.

She brings an energy to an arena like Mike Tyson and people perceive her only as this tough person. But shes one of the sweetest people out there and has a great heart, Parillo said.

Its a difficult balance, says Justino.

At the gym, its just men, so I wear a big shirt and big shorts because I dont feel comfortable wearing little shorts and going to do jiu-jitsu with the guys, she said. Sometimes, I hear people say, Cris fights like a man . That makes me happy because I do try my best to show women can fight, punch and tackle like men do. Its not about pulling hair. Im showing I have technique.

But, of course, Im a woman. I take care of all the things a [stereotype of a] woman does I clean my house, I cook. My life is not just come to the gym and train.

At the ceremonial opening of the UFCs new $12 million performance center in May, Justino turned heads by appearing in a red, flowing dress.

I like going to the salon, I like doing my nails, I like doing all the things that most women do, she said. So many times, Im not shown anywhere but around the cage and training, so people dont know who Cyborg is, and all that I like to do.

Shes experienced the heartbreak of divorce after eight years of marriage to a former MMA fighter whose nickname she shared out of affection, and says shes happy in a relationship with another man now.

Fans meet me and say, Oh, youre really nice, and Im like, Of course, you thought Id be mean?, Justino said. I have feelings. I have family. I have friends. My niece is like my daughter. And Id like a child. Im 32 now, so maybe soon.

First comes next Saturdays fight, and the likely anointing of the newest champion by White, whom Justino says she has forgiven.

When you forgive there can be a consequence, like him putting that belt around me, she said.

When this [fight] finally was made, I was very happy. I always read the Bible and I remember reading, Youre going to be frustrated in this world but I will give you strength.

You have to use these trials to overcome. People like seeing that because theyve had similar experiences good times, bad times. So, now, Ill fight for the belt to show you never have to quit. Your heart is hardened for battle.

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Follow Lance Pugmire on Twitter @latimespugmire

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Cris 'Cyborg' Justino gets shot at UFC glory after overcoming personal battles - Los Angeles Times