In a surprising twist, Cris Cyborg, the Bellator women’s featherweight champion and a revered figure in MMA, is gearing up for her next professional fight in the boxing ring. Sources have revealed that her opponent will be Kelsey Wickstrum, and the highly-anticipated event is scheduled to take place on January 19th at the prestigious Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. This unexpected move by Cyborg has sparked excitement and curiosity among both MMA and boxing fans alike.
While Cyborg prepares to make her mark in the boxing world, the future of Bellator, the MMA promotion she represents, hangs in the balance. Showtime, the current broadcast partner of Bellator, recently announced its withdrawal from the combat sports business, effective by the end of 2023. As a result, Bellator’s parent company, Viacom, has put the promotion up for sale. Sources indicate that the Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the front-runner in the race to acquire Bellator, and a deal may be finalized soon. This potential ownership change adds an air of uncertainty to Cyborg’s fighting future.
With an impeccable track record in the world of MMA, Cris Cyborg has undoubtedly solidified her position as one of the greatest women’s fighters in history. Her impressive career boasts numerous achievements, including championship titles in four different major promotions: UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce, and Invicta. This outstanding feat remains unmatched by any other fighter in MMA history. Throughout her career, Cyborg has defended her titles an astounding 12 times across her various reigns, showcasing her dominance and skill in the sport.
Although a relative newcomer to the world of professional boxing, Cyborg has already made her mark in the ring. Having secured a victory in her debut professional boxing match, she also boasts another win in a boxing exhibition in her home country of Brazil. Eager to challenge herself, the 38-year-old powerhouse is now determined to excel in both MMA and boxing during the final phase of her illustrious career.
Standing across the ring from Cyborg on January 19th will be Kelsey Wickstrum, a formidable opponent. With a professional boxing record of 2-0, including one knockout, Wickstrum brings her own set of skills and strengths to the table. The scheduled bout between Cyborg and Wickstrum is contracted at 154 pounds over six rounds, promising an exciting clash between these two talented fighters.
The announcement of Cris Cyborg’s next challenge in the boxing ring has not gone unnoticed. Chantelle Cameron, who is set to face boxing sensation Katie Taylor, has already expressed interest in a matchup against Cyborg under the banners of either PFL or Bellator. Such potential clashes highlight the global impact and cross-sport appeal of Cyborg, who continues to captivate fans from all corners of combat sports.
Cris Cyborg’s decision to venture into the realm of professional boxing marks an exciting chapter in her already storied career. With the uncertainties surrounding Bellator’s future and her own transcendent abilities, Cyborg’s foray into boxing presents a thrilling prospect for fans and an opportunity for her to further solidify her status as one of the most remarkable fighters in combat sports history.
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