Catching Up with Cris Cyborg Ahead of Her Title Defense at Bellator 259

Bellator featherweight women’s champion Cris Cyborg discusses her matchup against Leslie Smith, what she learned from the loss to Amanda Nunes and more.

One of the greatest ever in mixed martial arts returns to the cage this Friday, as Bellator featherweight women’s champion Cris Cyborg defends her title against Leslie Smith.

Cyborg (23-2, 1 NC) is the No. 1 ranked fighter in the Bellator women’s pound-for-pound rankings. She looks to extend her dominance tonight at Bellator 259. Smith (12-8, 1 NC) is a familiar opponent, and the bout is a rematch from UFC 198 from May 2016, a fight which didn’t even make it 90 seconds before Cyborg finished Smith by TKO.

The 35-year-old Cyborg continues to be an elite fighter. She has dominated everywhere she has fought, including the UFC, Invicta Fighting Championships, and Strikeforce. She was knocked out by Amanda Nunes in December of 2018 at UFC 232, but has recovered well, winning her three bouts following that defeat.

Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Cyborg discussed why Bellator is the right fit, the matchup against Smith, and the lessons learned from the Nunes bout.

Sergei Belski/USA TODAY Sports

Sports Illustrated: Two fights into your Bellator career, do you believe this is the right platform for you?

Cris Cyborg: Yes, I’m very happy that I signed with Bellator. I have a real division, and I have great fights. I’m very happy here.

SI: This fight against Leslie Smith is a chance to show how elite you are five years after your first meeting against her in the cage. What do you respect most about Leslie?

CC: We fought five years ago, and she’s improved so much. I’m looking forward to fighting her, and I know I have five rounds against her to do what I have to do.

SI: You’ve fought 26 times in your career, yet only lost twice. How do you remain sharp and hungry while accumulating win after win?

CC: Every fight is a chance for me to get better. I love to learn, and that’s the secret for me to continue to be number one. In my mind, I don’t think I’m the champion or the best in the world. I need to improve and get better every day. That is my mindset. If you’re too confident, you won’t learn.

SI: Can you shift your focus during the preparation against Leslie and think about an upcoming fight against Cat Zingano? Or is it necessary to focus solely on the opponent in front of you?

CC: I am only focused on Leslie. To me, it’s all about respect. Leslie is next, so all my focus is on her.

SI: I know you are always learning, from both the victories and, even though they’re rare, the defeats. What did you learn from the loss to Amanda Nunes?

CC: What I learned is to be more patient and use less emotion. That fight, I didn’t do what I trained for. But a lot of good things happened after that loss, too.

SI: You’re right, the next three fights following the bout with Amanda were all outstanding for you. Those three fights have helped further define who you are as a fighter.

CC: That [Amanda] fight was very fast, but I’ve finished fights fast, too. That day was her day. The longer the fight goes, the better I’m getting, especially in my sparring and training. Now I have more opportunity in the cage because of all I’m doing in my training.

SI: Out of all the women currently competing in mixed martial arts, who do you think are the top in the world?

CC: I think Valentina [Shevchenko], she’s doing great. She’s the best in that division. Rose [Namajunas], too. She is a really technical, smart fighter. There are so many talented girls.

SI: Why can we expect to see at Bellator 259?

CC: This is going to be my first fight back on Showtime after Strikeforce. I am excited for that, and my opponent has a really great style. She is tough, she is violent, and it’s going to be a great fight.

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.