Cris Cyborg discusses next career step, targets professional boxing debut

Cristiane Justino has been talking about boxing for quite some time now, and it appears that “Cyborg” is ready to make her foray into the sweet science.

After a convincing five-round verdict in a rematch against Arlene Blencowe in the Bellator 279 main event on Saturday, the reigning featherweight queen discussed her next move at the post-fight press conference. While there are a few options that interest the Brazilian in MMA, she seems intent on boxing, as well.

“For me, my next fight I’d like to do a boxing fight,” she said. “It’s been one of my dreams. Maybe it’s going to be the next one I’m working on. I don’t know. I don’t know who is going to be next or who Bellator will put in front of me – Cat Zingano, Amanda Nunes, Kayla Harrison. I like to be [part of] the big shows for my fans and enjoy every time I step in there for the title.”

According to Bellator president Scott Coker, allowing “Cyborg” the opportunity to box was always part of the plan if she found the right opportunity.

“I think that’s really going to be up to her,” Coker said. “I’ll be honest with you and I don’t want to get into too much detail, but it’s always been an agreement that we’ve had with her that she can box at any time in our contract with her. She [was free to] box whether it was a year ago or eight months ago. She’s always had the ability to box in her agreement.”

Justino received her boxing license from the California State Athletic Commission in 2017.

“I’ve been coaching and training boxing for one fight. I’m looking for one fight,” Justino said. “I’ve done everything. I did wrestling. I did jiu-jitsu. I did a Muay Thai fight. It’s the only one I haven’t done, is boxing. It’s one of my dreams.”