Cris Cyborg defeats Lina Lansberg via TKO at UFC Fight Night 95
Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino made her second appearance in the UFC on Saturday night, when she fought promotional newcomer Lina Lansberg and won via TKO. Cyborg's bout was the featured bout of the card, despite it being just her second with the promotion, a real testament to her star power considering her division doesn't exist in the UFC.
Cyborg pushed Lansberg against the cage in the clinch and worked from there to start the round, with Lansberg trying to keep Cyborg close to avoid Cyborg's striking. Eventually the referee split them apart, but Cyborg immediately backed Lansberg up against the cage. This time Cyborg was able to get the takedown, transition into full mount and go for the ground and pound, but Lansberg was able to survive and get back to her feet, weathering a flurry of Cyborg strikes as the round came to an end.
Cyborg opened the second round with alternating body kicks and strikes to the head.
Eventually Lansberg went to the ground and was on her back and Cyborg rained down hammer fists until the referee stepped in to stop the fight.
Jorge Masvidal tired of UFC fighters ducking him
The build up to the fight was focused on Cyborg's unhealthy weight cut. Cyborg's cut to 145-pounds, her usual weight class, is a rough one and for both appearances in the Octagaon, she has had to cut to 140 pounds. It is an arbitrary number.
The UFC doesn't have a 145 pound division, but Cyborg's star power can't be denied, hence her signing. But division doesn't need to exist to have her fight at 145 pounds. There is no 140-pound division either. Making Cyborg cut to 140 pounds for what amounts to an exhibition match is just dangerous and unnecessary.
Cyborg released a documentary this week highlighting her weight cut and it is brutal and heartbreaking. Hopefully this is the last time she is asked to cut so much weight.
