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PFL News: Bellator Champion Cris Cyborg ‘Ready’ to Save Card After Fight Fallout
© Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

PFL News: Bellator Champion Cris Cyborg ‘Ready’ to Save Card After Fight Fallout

Originally posted on FanNation MMA Knockout
By Christopher De Santiago  |  Last updated 2/21/24

"Free Cris Cyborg."

The Bellator Women's Featherweight Champion isn't too happy with her new employers. Cyborg made her Bellator debut in 2020 and went a perfect 6-0 in the promotion. Fast forward to now, and Bellator's flag has been replaced by their rival in the Professional Fighters League.

The PFL officially purchased Bellator in November, leaving them to handle Cyborg's future in fighting... at least in MMA.

Cyborg's been very outspoken on her struggles with the PFL and has yet to book her first fight post-merger. The Brazilian did campaign for a super-fight with Kayla Harrison but that wouldn't come to fruition with Harrison leaving to the UFC.

There's still a fight on the table with fellow Brazilian powerhouse Larissa Pacheco, but Cyborg prefers to fight another, more familiar face, all on short notice. 

"Hearing @sineadkavanagh0 needs an opponent for @BellatorMMA Belfast," Cyborg wrote on 'X'. "I’m ready to fight. I’ve been ready @PFLMMA #FreeCyborg."

Ireland's Sinead Kavanagh was scheduled to face Leah McCourt in the co-main event of Bellator's first card of the year on Mar. 22. Unfortunately, McCourt ended up having to withdraw due to a broken rib and torn oblique. 

The featherweight bout likely would have decided Cyborg's next title challenger at the weight class. 

Cyborg and Kavanagh already have some history. 'KO' entered his first title fight back in Nov. 2021 where she met the defending champ Cyborg. Kavanagh ultimately fell short of gold at Bellator 271, suffering a TKO loss in the opening round. 

Years later, perhaps Kavanagh will finally get the chance to avenge the defeat.

With one month out from Bellator Belfast, we'll see if the PFL decides to take up Cris Cyborg on her offer to save the co-headliner or keep her on the shelf for even longer.

Outside of the cage, the Grand Slam Champion has lined up another boxing bout on Apr. 27, opponent TBD.

This article first appeared on FanNation MMA Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

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