Cris Cyborg disputes featherweight belt in Invicta FC 6. Photo: Invicta FC/Disclosed
Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos is known as one of the best women in MMA. Only 27 years old and a record of 11-1, 1 N.C., the athlete went over a year without fighting after a fight against Hiroko Yamanaka. At the time, Santos was holding the Strikeforce featherweight belt and knocked out the Japanese opponent in just six seconds. Post-fight tests detected the use of illicit substances by the Brazilian, and she got a suspension of 12 months.
When she returned, the UFC had already decided the future of the other organization. Strikeforce would be extinct and only the bantamweight female category would go to the UFC. Cyborg was hired, but admitted that she couldn’t hit the 135 pounds, then she asked to leave and went to a smaller promotion, Invicta FC.
The fighter from Curitiba, Brazil, debuted in early April against Fiona Muxlow, who was replacing the injured Ediane India, and it was another knockout for her account (review the duel here). Cyborg underwent two doping tests after the victory, and both resulted negative, removing the stigma she was cast in 2012.
Now the former champion will have a new challenge ahead. She will compete for the featherweight belt against Marloes Coenen in Invicta FC 6 on July 13. The two have fought for the title in 2010 and Cris was better with a TKO. Nevertheless, the Dutch fighter has a great ground game and has submitted 15 of her 26 opponents. The last fight of Coenen was also against Fiona Muxlow, who she defeated with an armbar in Dream 18.
The event will feature three other Brazilian fighters: Claudia Gadelha, Ediane India and Duda Yankovich.
Check out the full card.
Invicta FC 6
Ameristar Casino Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri
July 13, 2013
Main Card
Marloes Coenen vs. Cristiane Santos
Carla Esparza vs. Ayaka Hamasaki
Sarah D’Alelio vs. Lauren Taylor
Leslie Smith vs. TBD
Jessica Penne vs. Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc
Joanne Calderwood vs. Claudia Gadelha
Julia Budd vs. Ediane Gomes
Bec Hyatt vs. Mizuki Inoue
Miriam Nakamoto vs. Duda Yankovich
Preliminary Card
Rose Namajunas vs. Tecia Torres
Ashley Cummins vs. Emily Kagan
Mollie Estes vs. Veronica Rothenhausler
Laura Sanko vs. Livia Von Plettenberg