Ronda Rousey News: Bitter Rival Cris Cyborg Says Rousey Can Become Champion Again
Former Strikeforce featherweight champion Cristiane Justino, more popularly known as "Cyborg" has some words for former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.
But unlike in previous interviews, the Brazilian female fighter showed more of a positive vibe towards her long-time on-paper rival. In an interview by MMA Fighting (as reported by Bloody Elbow), Cyborg was actually all praises towards "Rowdy."
She first touched on how Rousey could still win back the world bantamweight title if the latter would carry on with her fighting career and not give up just yet. Cyborg also pointed out how Rousey helped build the sport grow and reach new markets, despite the war of words that have been traded over the years.
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"Even if she was talking a lot about me, but I believe she helped the sport a lot," Cyborg said. "Maybe the sport wouldn't be where it is if it wasn't for this American that did what she did for the sport."
Last November 15th at the UFC 193, Rousey was dealt with the most devastating blow in her professional mixed martial arts career when former champion Holly Holm knocked her out in the second round via one single head kick.
Rousey has since kept herself out of the limelight, but in February, she revealed that she did contemplate suicide after the loss, but hindered herself from doing so after the thought of starting a family with current boyfriend and heavyweight fighter Travis Browne entered her mind.
Cyborg pointed out that losing is a part of high-level competition, noting that such occurrences could only help build character for an elite athlete. She even believes that Rousey would be able to reclaim the title she held for three years.
"Everybody loses, it's not the end of the world. I hope she sees that," she added. "Sometimes we lose to see new things, lessons as athlete or human being. I believe she can be champion again. I think so."
