Former UFC women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg has been released from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, according to a report from ESPN’s Laura Senko. UFC president Dana White spoke to Senko while discussing what led to Cyborg’s release.
Cyborg recently completed her UFC contract by defeating Felicia Spencer via unanimous decision at UFC 240 on July 27.
Following the fight, Cyborg called out White and UFC commentator Joe Rogan in the media for bullying and claimed that White was lying about her unwillingness to face current two-division women’s champion Amanda Nunes, who previously knocked out Cyborg to claim the title, in a rematch.
White was not happy with Cyborg’s public remarks and has declined the UFC’s exclusive negotiating period for the free agent as a result.
“All this other bullshit that she’s putting out there – again, to avoid fighting Amanda Nunes,” White said. “Message received. I get it. I’m going to release her from her contract. I will not match any offers. She is free and clear to go to Bellator or any of these other organizations and fight these easy fights that she wants.
“Done. Done deal. I will literally today have my lawyer draft a letter to her team that she is free and clear to go where ever she wants. We’re out of the Cyborg business.”
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What is next for Cyborg remains to be seen, but the 34-year-old should have no problem finding a new home. Prior to her knockout loss to Nunes, Cyborg was the most feared women’s mixed martial artist in the planet. It would be a surprise if an organization like Bellator, ONE Championship, or RIZIN did not jump on the opportunity to add her to the roster.
