Cris Cyborg at 139lbs for UFC debut but expected fight weight is insanely higher

The doubters claimed Cristiane Justino would never make 140lbs. To prove them all wrong, she tipped the scales at 139.

'Cyborg' is set for her UFC debut, on Saturday, after a professional MMA career that has seen her go 15-1 and rise rapidly in the fight game. The Brazilian will take on Leslie Smith at UFC 198, in Brazil, at a catch-weight of 140lbs. That accommodation was even a stretch for Justino, who often fought at 145 in Invicta before her recent move. In January, she defended her Invicta featherweight title against Daria Ibragimova whilst weighing 163lbs - a gain of 18lbs after her weigh-in. This weekend, she is expected to go even further. Worrying images of Justino emerged earlier today. Despite her positive vibes on social media, the 30-year-old appeared extremely gaunt. https://twitter.com/criscyborg/status/731187613445566464 For her weigh-in, Justino moved slowly and with consideration before soaking up the adulation from the home crowd. 139 and ready for her stare-down. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/731205280030162944 As the event wrapped up, Bett Okamoto from ESPN caught up with George Lockhart, Justino's nutritionist. It is a role he also performs for Conor McGregor. https://twitter.com/bokamotoESPN/status/731205645383278593 If she gets up to 168lbs, that would be a weight gain of 29lbs in just over 24 hours. One can't imagine it would be in the Brazilian's best interests to go from that dehydrated and drained to such a substantial weight gain in a tiny time-frame.