Pros Including Tate, Carano React to Cris Cyborg Winning Her Fourth Major Title at Bellator 238

By
Staff
-
Cris Cyborg with Big John, Bellator 238
Cris Cyborg with Big John, Bellator 238 weigh-in Credit: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press

Strikeforce. Invicta FC. The UFC. And now Bellator MMA. Where Cris Cyborg goes, gold follows. Or better yet, she takes it. That was the case at Bellator 238, where Cyborg made her promotional debut against Julia Budd.

Budd was the only women’s featherweight champion Bellator had ever known. Cyborg was entering the promotion from the UFC, where she picked up a win over Felicia Spencer in her final bout with that promotion last July, at UFC 240.

Between a loss to Amanda Nunes just over a year ago, and the Spencer fight going the distance, Cyborg had suddenly become a mere mortal. But in case you forgot, she reminded everyone how good she is at Bellator 238.

While Julia Budd had her moments, Cris Cyborg came on like an avalanche early in the fourth round. A flurry of powerful, punishing strikes. A kick. And a blow to the body that would seal the deal, sending Budd down. Cyborg made no mistake, and the 4th round TKO win gave her the title.

Another big win for Cyborg. While the Amanda Nunes rematch may never happen, she’s likely to find a few interesting opponents in Bellator. Budd likely only needs a single win to get another shot at the Brazilian. Newly signed Cat Zingano has a high enough profile that a single win could secure her a shot as well.

Cyborg even suggested post-fight that Bellator put on a single-night tournament for the ladies at featherweight. Any takers?

See the pros, including Miesha Tate and Gina Carano, react to Cyborg’s Bellator coming out party below!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR