UFC women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg got the fight she wanted to defend her first title defense against ex-bantamweight champion Holly Holm, and now she inks a new UFC contract to go with it.
Cyborg, announced on her website today that she’s signed a new UFC deal that will keep her within the octagon for “at least the next 15 months,” making her the “highest paid female fighter currently on the UFC roster.”
“I am excited to be committed to the UFC,” Cyborg said in a statement. “Dana White has proven himself as the best promoter in the sport, and with the recent addition of Mick Maynard as women’s matchmaker, I felt it was time to come to an agreement where we can both work together and be committed in both building the UFC and the Cris Cyborg brands. … I am excited to start this new chapter in my career as a real partner with the UFC and the fights we will promote together.”
Cris Cyborg, 32, stands undefeated in the Octagon with three straight wins, all coming by knockout in no later than the third round. Her most recent win came over former Invicta FC bantamweight champ Tonya Evinger via TKO at UFC 214.
Cyborg held a 19-fight undefeated streak that dates back to 2005 and includes final victories over, Gina Carano, Marloes Coenen (x2) and Shayna Baszler.
Holm returns after defeating Bethe Correia via knockout in the third round by head kick this past June.
Cria Cyborg said signing a new contract marked the beginning of a new chapter in her relationship with the UFC.
“Today is a new day with me and the UFC,” Cyborg said on her website. “From this day forward, we are on the same team working together; I am no longer in a position where I am fighting for a division or a chance at a world title. I am excited to have to the full support of WME and the UFC behind me and to see how this will elevate the platform of my brand.”
UFC 219 is happening on December 30th from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
