Cris Cyborg’s doctor won’t allow cut down to Bantamweight; UFC future in limbo

Former Strikeforce Women’s 145 lb. champion Cristiane ‘Cyborg’ Santos has been in a verbal war with Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey for some months now. When news broke last week that Rousey would be making her way to the UFC along with Miesha Tate, it appeared the window for a Rousey-Cyborg superfight was opened up. Unfortunately, news comes today from MMAMania.com that Santos’ heart doctor has medically disapproved her making the cut down to 135 lbs. With dire risks associated with the weight cut, Cyborg remains in limbo concerning a move to the UFC, as there has been no mention of a 145 lb division for women as of yet.

Although Rousey is a huge draw by herself, there is no doubt a shortage of top-level female competitors deserving of a shot at the current champ. Rousey has famously dispatched of every opponent she has faced, each by way of brutal first-round armbar. The relentless style of Cyborg was anticipated to be perhaps the only woman with the skills to possibly dethrone Rousey. Now, Santos’ future with the UFC remains highly uncertain at best. The plans to develop a 135 lb. division for women have not yet been officially announced by Dana White and the UFC, so one would think a 145 lb. division is far away if ever realized.

This news, coupled with Miesha Tate‘s apparent signing by the UFC, would have us believe that a rematch between these two most publicly visible fighters is eminent. Tate has said that she needs to get to a higher level to fight Rousey once again, but the lure of the UFC could speed up that process a bit. Stay tuned to LowKick.com for more news on the budding UFC Women’s division as it develops.