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MMA

14th May 2016

Cris Cyborg claims Ronda Rousey is “running” from potential UFC match-up

Tom Victor

Cris Cyborg is set to take on Leslie Smith in her UFC debut in Curitiba, but she has another American in her sights.

Cyborg, real name Cristiane Justino, claims she has “unfinished” history with Ronda Rousey, even if she doesn’t hate the former bantamweight title-holder.

And the Brazilian, who is expected to up her fight weight by more than 25lb after weighing in at 139lb for UFC 198, would be prepared to face ‘Rowdy’ at 140.

But she maintains whether or not a fight happens is not down to her.

UFC 198 Weigh-ins

“We have history and it is not finished. Like a soap opera,” Justino said in footage shared by TMZ.

“If she wants this fight to happen she can say ‘Dana, I want to fight Cyborg’. Of course Dana [White] will make this fight happen, but it has to start with her.

“She doesn’t want it. She’s running.”

Rousey has not fought since losing her title to Holly Holm at UFC 193, but her rival hopes the Californian isn’t gone for good from the promotion.

“For women’s MMA, I hope she comes back,” she said, “She’s a big name and did a lot for women’s MMA.”