Cristiane Justino

An injury ultimately forced her off next weeks Invicta FC 10 card, but initially, would-be headliner Cristiane Justinosaid her desire to fight was greater than the pain.

The former Strikeforce champion had planned to make a drop from 145 to 135 pounds for an Invicta FC 10s headliner, but an injury forced her off the Dec. 5 card, which streams on UFC Fight Pass from Houstons Arena Theatre.

Prior to a recent training trip to Thailand, Cyborg said she hurt her foot but did some simple treatment and continued her journey.

But once there, during sprint training, I twisted my foot again, she told MMAjunkie. It was the same foot.

I applied ice and treated it the way an athlete does. I took pain medication and continued to train since my focus was on fighting in December.

Justino, who hasnt fought an MMA bout since a July 2013 Invicta FC title win over Marloes Coenen (she also suffered a Lion Fight kickboxing loss to Jorina Baars in March), said her desire to fight on was at least partially motivated by financial reasons.

I need to work, said Justino, who hopes the move to 135 pounds will eventually set up a showdown with rival and reigning UFC womens bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. Not only because I want to fight, but also to pay my bills. Its my job.

There were days when I would wake up in Thailand, but I couldnt even walk. After a few hours, when I could walk, I would go back to training again. I didnt show it to anyone.

However, once the 29-year-old Brazilian returned to the U.S., she met with a trusted doctor, who ordered an MRI and saw the extent of the damage. He eventually convinced her she needed to shut it down to allow her body time to heal.

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'Cyborg' Justino's discusses injury: My 'desire to fight was greater than the pain'