A bout between Ronda RouseyandCristiane Justinohas been the biggest potential fight in womens MMA for years now, but rarely seems as though its close to a done deal.
Justino (12-1 MMA) more commonly known by her nickname,Cyborg has fought her career at145 pounds, an entire weight class up from where Rousey (10-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) has competedsince moving to bantamweight in March 2012.Thesticking point of weight seemed to have been sorted out when Cyborg planned a drop to featherweight only to suffer an injury that delayed the move.
Now, Cyborg returns to action on Feb.27, defending her Invicta FC featherweight belt againstCharmaine Tweet (6-4). Not only is that one day before Rousey is set to defend her UFC bantamweight title against Cat Zingano (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), but both fights take place in Los Angeles.
During a FOX Sports 1 interview over the weekend, Rousey was asked if she feels that the Cyborg move is raining on her parade.
Ithink Im pretty much the parade rainer in this duo, Rousey said. Im just really focusing on Cat, and thats it. Cyborg has tried to show up at my weigh-ins before, which I didnt even notice. She showed up at the (Sarah) Kaufmann weigh-in, but I was so focused on what I was doing and focused on Kaufmann that I didnt even see her.
Rousey, who has caused past stirs by calling Justino an it, as well as repeatedly bringing up her failed drug test, was civil while discussing her rival. The UFC champ says she has no intention of focusing on a potential opponent when she has a challenge in front of her already.
Ill deal with Cyborg when its time to deal with her, when she comes around and shes tired of dragging this whole thing out Rousey said. As you see with (Manny) Pacquiao and (Floyd) Mayweather, sometimes its a good thing to really drag it out and build that anticipation. Im going to beat Cat now and worry about her later.
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Ronda Rousey: I'll worry about 'Cyborg' Justino 'when it's time to deal with her'