In the latest edition to a stacked UFC 198 card, Cris “Cyborg” Justino will make her long-awaited debut in the UFC. The current Invicta FC Featherweight Champion, and world-renowned wrecking machine, will face off with veteran pugilist Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith. Along with reports of the match-up, multiple outlets are declaring that the bout will take place at a catch-weight of 140 pounds.
The news comes as a big surprise, since the saga of “Cyborg” cutting down from her natural weight of 145 pounds, has become fodder for social media jokes and confrontations. Most had given up on the former Strikeforce Featherweight Champion ever gracing a UFC cage. But with the company putting on UFC 198 in a 40,000 seat soccer stadium in Curitiba, Brazil, this additional matchmaking is sure to help put butts in seats for the show in Justino’s home country.
Smith is a veteran of four fights inside the octagon, racking up a 2-2 record in that time. Her last fight saw her win a unanimous decision over Rin Nakai at UFC Fight Night 85: Hunt vs. Mir. The fight looks to be a gimme by the UFC to “Cyborg”, as they attempt garner greater interest from the fans who may not be aware of the Brazilians violently fan-friendly style.
UFC 198 already has a stellar card featuring the headliner of Fabricio Werdum defending his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic. “Jacare” Souza is also matched up against Vitor Belfort in a middleweight bout with major divisional implications. Anderson Silva returns to Brazil to face talented striker Uriah Hall and Matt Brown battles Demian Maia in a bout that could decide the next contender for the 17o pound title.
The addition of Justino makes UFC 198 a must-see card for the company on May 14.
